The European Union authorities have started action against 20 air carriers. The accusation is that of having implemented deceptive commercial practices linked to "greenwashing", that is advertising statements to build a positive corporate image in terms of the environmental impact of the airlines' activities, while deceiving the public about the real negative effects.

"If we want responsible consumers, we need to provide them with accurate information". Consumers "deserve accurate and scientific answers, not vague or false statements", said the European Commissioner for Values and Transparency, Vera Jourova, who did not reveal the names of the airlines involved. They will be made public at the end of the preliminary phase of the investigation.

The legal action was brought by the European Commission, together with the national consumer protection authorities of Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway and Spain. The investigation aims to establish to what extent companies have actually offset the Co2 emissions of their aircraft with climate projects and the use of sustainable fuels. At the moment, Brussels has invited airlines to adapt their commercial practices to European law within 30 days.