Greenpeace Accuses Austria of Violating EU Greenwashing Rules

Greenpeace has filed a complaint against Austria with the European Commission, arguing that the country's implementation of new EU rules against misleading environmental claims violates European law.

Products made in Austria can continue to be marketed with environmental claims for another three years, even if they do not meet new EU requirements, the environmental organization said.

The EU's Empowering Consumers for a Green Transition (EmpCo) directive, which aims to combat "greenwashing" - the practice of making misleading or unsubstantiated claims about the environment - comes into force on Sunday.

Under the rules, environmental claims must be verifiable, while sustainability labels will only be allowed if they meet certification requirements. The rules also tighten requirements for climate neutrality claims.

Advertising environmental benefits based solely on minimum legal standards will also be prohibited, as will making misleading claims about the durability and repairability of products.