Green Claims Directive

HOTREC’s views for a compromise in trilogue negotiations

HOTREC, the European association of hotels, restaurants and cafés, takes note of both the European Parliament report on a proposal for a Directive on Green Claims (COD) approved in March 2024, as well as the Council General Approach (11312/24) on the same topic, formally approved by the Environment Council in June 2024.

HOTREC supports the Commission’s intention to strengthen consumer protection against false environmental claims. Consumers should be reassured about the products and services they purchase. Businesses, however, should be recognised and rewarded by consumers if they showcase sustainability efforts. A proportionate and balanced system should be found: one that allows companies to easily apply new rules and provide consumers with informed choices.

Our main priorities are the following:

• A simplified procedure is needed to substantiate the claims and ease verification procedures by third parties.

• Micro-enterprises must be exempted from the scope of the Directive.

• Measures to help SMEs comply with the Directive must be made compulsory in all member states.

• Penalties should respect subsidiarity.

Read the full position paper below.