Green Promises, Grey Realities: A Critical Analysis of Greenwashing Practices in European Union Corporations

This article investigates the phenomenon of corporate greenwashing in the European Union, using qualitative case studies of ENI (energy), H&M (fashion), and Ryanair (aviation). Drawing on Legitimacy, Institutional, and Agency theories, it analyzes how symbolic sustainability disclosures undermine genuine environmental commitments. The paper highlights regulatory gaps, stakeholder interventions, and sectoral differences, offering recommendations to enhance ESG accountability under frameworks like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)