Greener than it looks: the (EU) Directive 2024/825 against corporate greenwashing. Regulation, challenges, and litigation in the green transition

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18543/ed.3454
Keywords: Greenwashing, European Union, consumer law, climate litigation, competition law

Abstract

The green transition in Europe requires not only technological and energy innovation, but also an effective legal framework to protect consumers against misleading practices linked to sustainability. In this context, Directive (EU) 2024/825 represents a significant regulatory advance in the fight against greenwashing by imposing clear restrictions on the use of unverified environmental claims, self-attributed labels and misleading advertising. This article aims to analyze the content, scope and objectives of this new directive, as well as its complementary nature with other EU initiatives, such as the Green Claims Directive and legislation on corporate sustainability. It also addresses the possible legal actions and strategic litigation arising from non-compliance with the regulations, with special attention to the mechanisms for individual and collective claims, and the emerging role of NGOs and commercial competitors as actors in the denunciation of eco-laundering. Based on a legal-doctrinal methodology and the study of recent cases, such as the litigation between Iberdrola and Repsol in Spain, the main implementation challenges, regulatory criticisms and practical effects in key sectors are identified. Finally, proposals will be offered to strengthen enforcement and ensure that sustainability is not just an empty discourse, but a verifiable and protected legal practice.

Received: 23.09.2025
Accepted: 16.12.2025

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Author Biography

Rafael Valentín-Pastrana Aguilar, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid. España

Profesor Ayudante Doctor del Área Historia del Derecho y las Instituciones

Published
2025-12-28
How to Cite
Valentín-Pastrana Aguilar, Rafael. 2025. “Greener Than It Looks: The (EU) Directive 2024/825 Against Corporate Greenwashing. Regulation, Challenges, and Litigation in the Green Transition”. Estudios De Deusto 73 (2), 411-40. https://doi.org/10.18543/ed.3454.
Issue
Vol. 73 No. 2 (2025)
Section
Special Issue

Last update: 08/02/2022

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