EU legislation is nebulous and most European governments like to point the finger at the EU, to spare themselves the political fall-out of EU-wide legislation. But in this case, it hasn't been ratified yet.
The European Council - where member states agree policy - and the European Parliament are yet to ratify the agreement.
The law is enforceable 20 days after it is formally accepted, which is expected to happen next year, the European Commission told the BBC.
Once it becomes law, operators and traders will have 18 months to adhere to the new regulations.
Bear in mind that the 18 months is flexible, too. If big business makes enough noise about a specific bit of legislation making their lives difficult, the EU will consider a delay in implementation.
Not for you, though. You're only a peasant, you will comply on time or be fined.
this seems absolutely massive. how come I haven't seen this discussed anywhere else?
EU legislation is nebulous and most European governments like to point the finger at the EU, to spare themselves the political fall-out of EU-wide legislation. But in this case, it hasn't been ratified yet.
Bear in mind that the 18 months is flexible, too. If big business makes enough noise about a specific bit of legislation making their lives difficult, the EU will consider a delay in implementation.
Not for you, though. You're only a peasant, you will comply on time or be fined.
Of course it will happen. There is nothing that will stop it. It doesn't require the consent of EU citizens at all.