Greek MEP Elena Kountoura (The Left) has raised concerns about a potential legal vacuum in Greece's enforcement of EU rail passenger rights, warning that rail operators could challenge penalties due to a lack of formal re-designation of the national enforcement body. The written parliamentary question, submitted on 13 April 2026, targets the European Commission over the status of the Regulatory Authority for Railways (RAS), which continues to operate as the national enforcement body (NEB) under Regulation (EU) 2021/782 despite no new legislative act explicitly redefining its role since the regulation replaced the earlier 2007 framework.
Kountoura's question highlights that while RAS was formally designated under Law 3891/2010 for Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007, the Greek authorities have not adopted a new act to confirm its NEB status under the updated 2021 regulation. This omission, she argues, undermines legal certainty and could allow rail service providers to contest fines—up to €1 million—imposed for infringements such as denied compensation for delays or poor complaint handling. The MEP asks the Commission whether Greece has notified RAS's designation and whether the current framework ensures effective enforcement.
the Commission must clarify if notification occurred and assess compliance with Articles 31-32 of the regulation. Kountoura's policy orientation seeks to strengthen passenger protection by closing a formal loophole, potentially affecting Greek rail operators (who face legal challenges to penalties), passengers (whose compensation rights may be weakened), the RAS (whose authority could be undermined), and the Commission (which must enforce EU law). The Commission typically replies within six weeks; its answer will signal whether it views the gap as a compliance issue requiring action.