Romania sent to EU Court over delayed pharmacy reimbursements
The European Commission has referred Romania to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) for repeatedly failing to ensure that the National Health Insurance House (CNAS) pays pharmacy operators within the 60‑day deadline set by the EU Late Payment Directive (Directive 2011/7/EU). The Commission says the delays are systematic and persistent, with pharmacies being reimbursed on average 62‑79 days after the deadline.
The Commission issued a formal notice in April 2024, followed by reasoned opinions in February 2025 and January 2026, concluding that Romania’s efforts were insufficient. It argues that late payments weaken supply chains, limit business growth and competitiveness, and hinder innovation. The action is part of the Commission’s broader enforcement of Single Market rules to eliminate barriers for SMEs and other enterprises.
The case was triggered by complaints from associations representing more than 500 independent Romanian pharmacies, which highlighted the impact of delayed reimbursements on the public healthcare system and on patients’ timely access to medicines.