Oil Industry Seeks to Weaken Proposed Fossil Fuel Advertising Ban in France
Fossil fuel companies and broadcasters are actively lobbying to dilute a proposed national ban on fossil fuel advertising in France, set to take effect in early 2027. Fifteen companies and trade associations, including TotalEnergies, have submitted amendments to the draft decree. These amendments, some of which appear to have been incorporated into a revised proposal, aim to exempt 'corporate communications' and remove references to the 'indirect' promotion of fossil fuels. Climate advocates argue that these changes would significantly weaken the ban, allowing companies to continue brand-building campaigns and promote products that contribute to fossil fuel consumption. The initial proposal stemmed from recommendations by a citizen assembly in 2020, but subsequent lobbying has led to measures that fall short of the assembly's original vision. The French government is expected to redraft the decree, notify the European Commission, and seek input from the Conseil d’État before finalization.
