C-110/14, Volksbank Romania

Key Points to Note In This Case:

1. Facts:

• Background: Romania regulated how banks could offer current accounts to prevent consumer fraud.

• Impact: The regulations were designed to protect consumers but had an indirect effect on trade.

2. Outcome:

• De Minimis Threshold: The Court found that the Romanian regulations had an uncertain and indirect effect on trade, and therefore, did not constitute a violation of Article 56 TFEU.

3. Impact and Analysis:

• Threshold of Impact: This case reinforced that for a measure to be considered a restriction under Article 56, it must have a clear and significant impact on market access. Indirect or minimal impacts are insufficient to establish a violation.