Italy’s top court has ruled that a major climate lawsuit against energy company Eni and the Italian government can go ahead.

Italian Court Lets Climate Lawsuit Against Energy Giant Eni Move Forward

The case was filed by Greenpeace, environmental group ReCommon, and a group of Italian citizens. They claim Eni’s actions have contributed to climate change and harmed their rights.

The court’s decision means the case will now be heard in full by a tribunal in Rome. It’s being called a major step for climate accountability in Italy.

What the Case Is About

The lawsuit was first filed in 2023. Greenpeace, ReCommon, and 12 Italian citizens sued Eni, the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (Italy’s state-owned development bank). They are seeking damages related to climate change.

The plaintiffs argue that Eni, along with its government shareholders, failed to take real action on climate despite knowing the risks. They say this violated their basic rights, which are protected under the European Convention on Human Rights.

They also point to Italy’s commitments to international climate agreements—and to Eni’s own public promises to cut emissions—as reasons the company should be held accountable.

Eni and Government Tried to Stop the Case

Eni and the two government institutions tried to have the lawsuit dismissed. They argued the Italian courts didn’t have the right to hear it and raised other legal objections.

But on Monday, Italy’s Court of Cassation—its highest court—rejected those motions. It ruled that Italian courts do have jurisdiction and ordered the case to move forward in Rome.

Importantly, the court also said that it could hear claims about emissions caused by Eni subsidiaries in other countries, since the company’s decisions were made in Italy and the harm allegedly occurred there.

Why This Ruling Matters

This is one of the first major climate cases in Italy to reach this stage. Greenpeace and ReCommon described the ruling as “a landmark decision” that could influence many future lawsuits.

They say the decision shows that people in Italy can try to hold fossil fuel companies legally responsible for contributing to climate change.

“No one, not even a colossus like Eni, can escape its responsibilities anymore,” the groups said in a joint statement. “Judges will finally be able to examine the merits of our case: those who pollute and contribute to the climate crisis must answer for their actions.”

They also said the ruling brings Italy in line with other European countries where courts have allowed similar lawsuits to proceed.

Eni Responds: “We’ll Prove This Case Is Baseless”

Eni, for its part, said it was “greatly satisfied” with the decision to move the case to trial. The company says it now has a chance to prove that the claims made by Greenpeace and ReCommon have no legal or scientific basis.

In a statement, Eni said:

“The proceedings can finally resume before the Court of Rome, where the unfounded theories put forward by Greenpeace and ReCommon regarding the alleged responsibility of Eni for climate change-related damages will be dismantled, in a context that is rigorous and respectful of the law.”

The company also accused the environmental groups of spreading “misleading slogans.”

Italy’s finance ministry and the development bank declined to comment on the case.

Climate Lawsuits Are on the Rise

This case is part of a growing global trend. In recent years, climate activists, citizens, and local governments around the world have taken legal action against oil companies and governments.

Their goal is often twofold: to push for stronger action on reducing emissions, and to seek financial compensation for damage already caused by climate change—like extreme weather, rising sea levels, or health impacts.

Scientists have known for over a century that burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, which heat the planet. This leads to global warming, more frequent and intense storms, floods, droughts, and other serious environmental effects.

What’s Next?

Now that the Court of Cassation has ruled, the case will return to a lower court in Rome, where the actual arguments and evidence will be presented.

This doesn’t mean Eni or the government has been found guilty—only that the court agrees the case is worth hearing.

For Greenpeace and ReCommon, it’s a step forward in their push for climate justice. For Eni, it’s a chance to fight the claims head-on in court.

Either way, the outcome could have major implications for how climate-related legal cases are handled in Italy and across Europe.

Bottom Line:

Italy’s top court says a climate lawsuit against oil giant Eni and its government shareholders can go to trial. Greenpeace calls it a victory for climate justice. Eni says it welcomes the chance to fight what it calls baseless claims. The case now heads back to a Rome court for a full hearing.

Source: AP News – Greenpeace hails Italian court ruling allowing climate case against energy company Eni to continue