EU greenwashing framework

Withdrawal of the EU Green Claims Directive?

Last month, important news came out regarding the proposal for a Green Claims Directive (GCD). The proposed GCD aims to regulate sustainability claims in the EU. Among other things, it would require third-party verification of sustainability claims before any such claims are made. Just before the start of the trialogue negotiations on the GCD, a Commission spokesperson announced the withdrawal of the Green Claims Directive (GCD) proposal. Other sources later challenged this announcement, leaving the political fate of the GCD proposal uncertain.

Regardless of the political fate of the GCD, existing EU rules on sustainability claims still apply. From 27 September 2026, organisations must also comply with stricter anti-greenwashing standards under the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive. These existing and new rules will be discussed below.

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