Dutch watchdog and allies file EU complaint over alleged greenwashing in energy sector
Dutch consumer organizations, led by the Consumentenbond, have filed a complaint with the European Commission accusing multiple energy companies of misleading climate claims, while also reporting Dutch firms to the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM). The action targets companies including ANWB, Greenchoice, and Vattenfall. Separately, European energy groups including Shell, ENGIE, Eni Plenitude, and TotalEnergies are named in the complaint.
The Consumentenbond, working with 12 other consumer organizations, is urging the European Commission to require stricter action against so-called greenwashing practices in the energy sector.
The organizations argue that several companies present gas as “clean” or “sustainable” without fully disclosing its climate impact. They say some firms promote long-term targets such as “zero emissions in 2050” while continuing investments in fossil fuels.
“That is misleading,” the Consumentenbond said. “Especially if consumers through such promises get the impression that the company is already truly becoming more sustainable.”
The complaint aligns with the European consumer organization BEUC, which also sees widespread greenwashing among European energy firms. BEUC bases its position on research from the University of Leuven, which found that several corporate climate claims may conflict with European law.
One example cited involves the ANWB website, which described “green energy” offerings made possible by offsetting CO₂ emissions through investments in renewable projects such as wind farms and forest planting. The Consumentenbond argues that fossil natural gas does not become green through offsetting, a position it also applies to similar claims made by Vattenfall and Greenchoice.
Following the complaint, ANWB removed the webpage in question. “We were already working on adjusting the content so that it complies with EU rules,” a spokesperson said.
Greenchoice rejected the criticism. “We recognize ourselves in the complaint not,” a spokesperson told NU.nl. “On our website we explain that natural gas is a fossil fuel and that CO₂ is released when it is used.” The company also said it emphasizes “that with our Nature for Tomorrow program the negative consequences of gas consumption are not undone.”
Vattenfall also disputed the allegations. “We make clear on the website that it concerns natural gas with 10 percent green gas, intended for customers who are still dependent on gas and want to take a first step toward sustainability,” a spokesperson said. “We are transparent about the composition.”
