EU Warns 20 Member States Over Delays in Anti-Greenwashing Rules

The European Commission has launched infringement procedures against 20 member states for failing to fully implement new anti-greenwashing rules designed to strengthen consumer protection and improve the credibility of environmental claims. The action marks a significant step in the EU’s efforts to combat misleading sustainability marketing across the bloc. Letters of formal notice were sent to Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Cyprus, Latvia, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Finland and Sweden. The countries had until 27 March 2026 to transpose the Directive on Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition into national law. The directive aims to prevent vague, misleading or unsubstantiated environmental claims and sustainability labels, helping consumers make more informed purchasing decisions. It forms part of the EU’s broader strategy to tackle greenwashing and promote transparency in sustainability-related communications. Member states have been given two months to respond and notify the Commission of their compliance measures. If the Commission considers the responses inadequate, it may escalate the cases through reasoned opinions and, ultimately, referral to the Court of Justice of the European Union. The rules are scheduled to begin applying across the EU from 27 September 2026, strengthening requirements for environmental claims and sustainability labels in consumer markets.