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EU TAKES ACTION AGAINST 20 AIRLINES FOR GREENWASHING

The European Commission, alongside national consumer protection authorities, has initiated proceedings against 20 airlines for engaging in misleading “greenwashing” practices. This move underscores the European Union’s commitment to ensuring accurate consumer information and combating deceptive environmental claims within the aviation industry.

In a joint statement released on Tuesday, the European Commission, in collaboration with Belgian, Dutch, Norwegian, and Spanish watchdogs, highlighted concerns regarding false or misleading statements made by airlines regarding the environmental benefits of their operations. Greenwashing, a term used to describe deceptive claims about environmental friendliness, has become a focal point of regulatory scrutiny.

 

While the authorities have refrained from disclosing the names of the airlines involved at this stage, they underscored the necessity for airlines to substantiate claims regarding carbon offsetting and the use of sustainable fuels with sound scientific evidence. This aligns with the EU’s commitment to transparency and consumer protection, ensuring that individuals are provided with accurate information to make informed choices.

 

The bloc has issued a 30-day deadline for airlines to align their practices with EU consumer law, emphasising the importance of accountability and adherence to regulatory standards. EU Commissioner for Values and Transparency, Vera Jourova, stressed the significance of providing consumers with truthful information, stating that individuals “deserve accurate and scientific answers, not vague or false claims.”

 

This regulatory action comes in the wake of a landmark ruling by a Dutch court against KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, which found the airline guilty of misleading customers with an advertising campaign aimed at bolstering its environmental image. The ruling serves as a precedent, setting clear guidelines for airlines regarding the communication of their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions amidst heightened scrutiny of environmental claims.

 

As the aviation industry faces increasing pressure to address its environmental footprint, regulatory bodies are taking proactive measures to hold airlines accountable for their sustainability claims and ensure transparency in communication with consumers.

PICTURE: FREEPIK

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