The European Commission is launching action against Italy for failing to adequately enforce vehicle emissions regulations that are required for all European Union member states.

The legislation covers Fiat Chrysler automobiles. The commission sent a formal notice to Italy seeking a response regarding the country's "insufficient action" regarding emission controls strategies used by Fiat Chrysler, according to an announcement from the commission.

"Car manufacturers have been treating emission tests laxly; some have even broken the law," Commissioner Elzbieta Bienkowska said in the announcement. "The emissions scandal has shown that the responsibility to enforce the law and punish those who violate it can no longer be left solely to individual member states. While the European Parliament and member states have recently made good progress on our proposal to overhaul the current system, it's high time that they reach a final agreement. Citizens' health and trust is at stake and we have no time to lose."

Each nation is responsible for ensuring that a car type meets all EU standards before the cars can be sold. If a car manufacturer breaches the legal requirements, it's up to each nation to take corrective action, such as enforcing a recall.