11
Mar
2024
Watch
Substantiation and communication of explicit environmental claims (Green Claims Directive) (debate)
Mr President, ‘responsible fishing’, ‘reasoned agriculture’, ‘eco-responsible choice’: The regulation of environmental labels is fundamental to prevent consumer deception and ensure responsible choices. Too often, products are associated with the prefix ‘bio’ or the word ‘ecological’ without real compliance with standards. This disinformation damages the credibility of the real labels and thus the environment itself. If we want a real green transition – the Green Deal as we decided it together – making false claims is worse than not making them. Consumers are deceived and believe they are acting for the ecological transition in good faith, when in truth they are helping to maintain a system that is dangerous for our health. The directive we are going to vote on tomorrow is a first step towards putting an end to this deception. By requiring rigorous verification of each environmental claim, it will enable consumers to make informed choices and genuinely support environmentally friendly practices. Let us act now to strike a balance between commercial interests and the health of our planet.