European Green Party co-chair Vula Tsetsi reacted:

‘When people buy something, they want to know if it has been produced in a way that respects the environment. The Green Claims Directive was designed to give them that certainty. The Commission’s decision to withdraw the Directive is deeply irresponsible. It is clear that under pressure from the European People's Party the European Commission buckled in their efforts to tackle greenwashing. It does not even serve the interests of responsible companies, let alone consumers, or the protection of public health. Instead of upholding high standards, this move undermines trust and weakens the EU’s credibility in defending the environment and people’s wellbeing. It is an insult to everyone trying to shop responsibly.’

European Green Party co-chair Ciarán Cuffe said,

‘This does not help businesses at all. It will undercut the decent companies who are trying to reduce pollution and environmental impact. It hands greenwashing companies a blank cheque to mislead consumers. Companies, especially in the fashion industry, are also very confused, if not outraged, by what the Commission is doing. They were expecting to have a clear regulatory framework in order to know what is greenwashing, and what is not, to adapt their claims accordingly. Moreover, these attacks by conservative and right-wing forces on key Green Deal pillars is part of a broader political pattern. The European Greens demand the full restoration of the Green Claims Directive to ensure that unscrupulous businesses cannot make false marketing claims which deceive their customers, and that honest companies are rewarded.’

According to research of the European Commission itself, 53% of labels give vague, misleading or unfounded information.

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