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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on POLITICO or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: The European Commission has announced its decision to withdraw the proposed Green Claims Directive, which aimed to tackle corporate greenwashing by requiring companies to back up their environmental claims with verified evidence
• This move follows significant pressure from conservative lawmakers, particularly the European People’s Party (EPP), who argued that the proposal was overly complex and burdensome for businesses, especially smaller ones
🔭 The context: The Green Claims Directive, introduced in March 2023, was designed to address the growing issue of misleading environmental claims by companies, ensuring that products advertised as eco-friendly are genuinely sustainable
• However, the proposal faced resistance from various stakeholders, particularly as discussions revealed potential challenges in implementation and the risk of imposing excessive administrative burdens, particularly on micro-enterprises
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The directive’s withdrawal represents a setback in the European Union's efforts to combat corporate greenwashing, a significant issue in the drive toward more sustainable consumer practices
• Without the legislation, it will be more difficult to hold companies accountable for false or exaggerated environmental claims, potentially undermining efforts to achieve the European Green Deal’s sustainability goals
⏭️ What's next: While the European Commission has expressed its intention to withdraw the proposal, negotiations are ongoing with the European Parliament and EU member states
• Lawmakers in the European Parliament are determined to continue discussions, and the next round of talks is scheduled for Monday
• The future of the directive remains uncertain, depending on the political dynamics and potential compromises.
💬 One quote: “By siding with the far right to block the Green Claims Directive, the EPP Group undermines every company that invested in the green transition in good faith,” — Virginijus Sinkevičius, former EU Environment Commissioner
📈 One stat: The Green Claims Directive was meant to complement existing consumer protection laws, specifically targeting companies making claims about recycled materials and other sustainability efforts
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