Case Summary

Italy

Greenpeace Italy, ReCommon, et al. v. Eni S.p.A., Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance, et al.

Year filed
2023
Year of most recent ruling
N/A
Court(s)

Court of Rome

Status
Pending
Plaintiff(s)

Greenpeace Italy, ReCommon, and 12 Italian Citizens

Respondent(s)

ENI S.p.A, the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.p.A.

Facts

A group of Italian citizens, Greenpeace Italy, and ReCommon brought a case before the Civil Court of Rome, seeking an order for fossil fuel company ENI to adjust its decarbonization strategy in line with the Paris Agreement and best available science to limit its impacts on the climate. The complaint alleges that the company’s actions — and that of its major shareholders, the Ministry of Economy and Finance and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.p.A. — are violative of rights to a healthy environment, life, undisturbed family life, and other rights under Italian constitutional law, international law, and European human rights law.

Decision

The decision remains pending.

R2HE elements addressed in the case

Clean AirHealthy and Sustainably Produced FoodHealthy Biodiversity and EcosystemsNon-toxic EnvironmentsPollutionSafe and Sufficient WaterSafe Climate

Environmental and international law principles featured in the case

Best Available ScienceIntergenerational EquityNon-discriminationPolluter PaysPrecautionPreventionSustainable Development

Strategies used by plaintiffs

Emphasizing international developmentsEmphasizing the obligation to cooperate internationally or nationallyEmphasizing the state’s duty to regulate or its failure to observe its due diligence obligationsReinforcing the status of the R2HE as a fundamental and independent human rightUsing an established domestic body of lawUsing an established international body of lawUtilizing a variety of legal arguments

Select practices employed by the court or system

No items

Official Documents