LOC21:57
18:57 GMT
BRUSSELS, Nov 14 (KUNA) -- The European Commission sent a letter of formal notice to the United Kingdom Thursday for breaching its EU Treaty obligations by not suggesting a candidate for the post of EU Commissioner.
The UK authorities have until Friday 22 November at the latest to provide their views. This short time period is justified by the fact that the next Commission must enter into office as soon as possible, said the EU's executive body in a press release this evening.
Following the UK's reply on 13 November to the two letters sent by European Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen recalling the UK's obligations under the EU Treaty , the press release said it has now analysed this reply and considers that the UK is in breach of its EU Treaty obligations.
In its letter, the UK authorities consider that they are not in a position to suggest a candidate for the post of EU Commissioner in view of the upcoming general election.
The European Commission recalled that, in accordance with established EU law, an EU Member State may not invoke provisions prevailing in its domestic legal system to justify failure to observe obligations arising under EU law.
The UK is expected to leave the EU by the end of January 2020. (end)
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