EU draws criticism as it proposes green label for some aviation investments

(EurActiv, 7 Apr 2023) The European Commission has proposed labelling certain investments in aviation as green, after a months-long row over whether to add the sector to the EU’s list of sustainable investments.

The Commission said the rules should encourage the aviation sector to cut greenhouse emissions in the near term, but its proposal to label certain planes as green immediately drew criticism from environmental campaigners.

The decision had also split opinion inside the Commission, with some officials pushing to add aviation investments if they meet strict environmental standards, and others opposed to giving a climate-friendly badge to a sector with a high carbon footprint.

In a proposal published on Wednesday (5 April), the Commission said certain investments in aviation leasing, manufacturing, passenger and freight flights would be added to the taxonomy, and classed as helping to fight climate change.

The rules set detailed environmental criteria that each economic activity must meet.

For example, manufacturers can win a green label either for producing aircraft with zero tailpipe CO2 emissions, or aircraft with lower CO2 emissions than International Civil Aviation Organisation limits for new planes. From 2028, such aircraft must also be able to run on sustainable fuels.

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EurActiv, 7 Apr 2023: EU draws criticism as it proposes green label for some aviation investments