Climate Activists Sue EU Over Airline Green Standards in August 2023

On August 27, 2023, a coalition of climate activist organizations initiated legal action against the European Union, targeting the 'green' standards established for the aviation and shipping sectors. This lawsuit was filed in the European Court of Justice, aiming to compel the EU Commission to reassess these standards, which are part of the broader European Green Deal. The deal includes investment and reporting standards intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote environmentally friendly practices. The EU Taxonomy for sustainable activities was designed to create clear and uniform standards for classifying what is considered sustainable. However, the criteria set for the aviation industry have been criticized for being overly lenient. Reports indicate that major airlines like Ryanair and easyJet could qualify for 'green' labels under these weak criteria, raising concerns about their effectiveness in promoting genuine sustainability. In January 2023, five climate-related NGOs appealed to the EU Commission, arguing that the established criteria do not align with scientific evidence and fail to support the necessary pathways for climate change mitigation. They contend that the current standards could hinder the development of low-carbon alternatives in the aviation and shipping industries, which are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. The specific arguments of the lawsuit remain undisclosed, as the court filings have not been made public. The timeline for the European Court of Justice to address this case is also unclear, leaving the future of these green standards uncertain.