Italian MEP Nicola Procaccini (ECR) has submitted a parliamentary question to the European Commission seeking clarity on whether established environmental recognition programmes, such as the Blue Flag programme, fall within the scope of Directive (EU) 2024/825 on empowering consumers for the green transition. The question, filed on 22 April 2026, highlights potential legal uncertainty for long-standing certification schemes that rely on public criteria and independent evaluation processes.
Procaccini specifically asks whether Article 7 of the directive, which restricts generic environmental claims without sufficient evidence, applies to programmes like Blue Flag, which has been operating for over 40 years and awards flags to some 3 800 beaches and marinas across Member States. He argues that such programmes are structured tools for local governance and sustainability, not mere commercial statements, and should not be penalised by the new rules.
the MEP wants the Commission to clarify (1) whether Blue Flag and similar programmes fall under Article 7, and (2) how the directive should be interpreted regarding programmes based on public criteria and independent multi-level evaluation involving public authorities, environmental experts, and juries.
Procaccini appears to advocate for an exemption or tailored interpretation that protects established certification schemes from being treated as generic environmental claims. This reflects a concern that the directive, while aiming to boost consumer protection against greenwashing, could inadvertently undermine credible, long-running sustainability initiatives.
The Commission is required to reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether it considers such programmes compliant or whether adjustments to the directive's implementation may be needed to avoid penalising recognised environmental tools. The outcome could affect not only Blue Flag but also other EU eco-labels and certification schemes.
EU coastal municipalities and tourism operators relying on Blue Flag certification; environmental NGOs and certification bodies; EU consumers who use the flag as a trusted sustainability signal; and the European Commission, which must balance consumer protection with support for existing voluntary schemes.