Commission announces commitments from 21 European airlines to stop misleading environmental claims
The European Commission announced that 21 European airlines have agreed to modify their practices regarding environmental claims deemed misleading by the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network, following discussions with the Commission and the CPC Network. The airlines committed to ending misleading environmental marketing suggesting that consumers could neutralise, offset, or directly reduce CO₂ emissions through financial contributions or the use of alternative aviation fuels. They also agreed to stop claiming that the CO₂ emissions of specific flights could be neutralised, offset, or directly reduced by such contributions or fuel use. In addition, the airlines pledged to use the term 'sustainable aviation fuels' only when clearly substantiated, avoid vague or implicit green claims, ensure CO₂ calculations are displayed transparently, and present any net-zero commitments clearly and with supporting scientific evidence. National consumer protection authorities intend to monitor the implementation of these commitments and may take enforcement action where necessary, while the CPC Network intends to assess the practices of other airlines operating in the Single Market and, where appropriate, require similar commitments.