By a very large majority (593 votes in favour, 21 against and 14 abstentions), on Wednesday 17 January in Strasbourg, the European Parliament paved the way for the adoption of the new EU directive aimed at empowering consumers to act in favour of the green transition through better protection against misleading commercial practices and better information.
MEPs have approved the provisional agreement reached in September with the EU Council to protect consumers from greenwashing and early obsolescence, which will be banned as unfair commercial practices, and to help them make more informed and sustainable purchasing choices (see EUROPE 13254/6).
“I’m really pleased. This is a small legal and green revolution to bring order to the jungle of claims and labels”, said Biljana Borzan (S&D, Croatian), Parliament’s chief negotiator.
Edina Tóth (non-attached Member, Hungarian), rapporteur for the European Parliament’s Environment Committee, felt that this directive would usefully strengthen “the credibility of companies in the eyes of consumers”.
This ‘European Green Deal’ legislation will create a level playing field and “inform consumers at the point of sale by reminding them of their legal guarantee rights, thanks to the Parliament”, stressed European Commissioner Didier Reynders.
It is now up to the Council to decide whether the directive should be adopted. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)