The European Commission has initiated an infringement procedure against Poland over its failure to comply with the June 2025 ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) concerning the ban on pharmacy advertising. The Court had ruled that the ban violates EU law.
According to the CJEU ruling, Polish pharmaceutical law provisions introducing a ban on advertising pharmacies, pharmacy outlets, and their activities violate the E-Commerce Directive as well as the provisions of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU concerning freedom of establishment and the freedom to provide services.
The European Commission stated that advertising plays a significant role in enabling market entry and business development, as well as providing an important source of information for consumers.
The Commission announced on Friday that it took note of the start of legislative work in Poland, but assessed that so far no regulations have been adopted to lift the ban on pharmacy advertising.
Poland has two months to respond to the Commission. In the absence of a reaction, the Commission may refer the complaint back to the CJEU, requesting the imposition of financial sanctions on the country.