TotalEnergies SE has announced that it will appeal the judgment delivered by the Paris Judicial Court on June 25, 2026, in the climate-related duty of vigilance case brought against the company by several associations. The decision to file the appeal was approved by the company’s Board of Directors, which believes the ruling raises important legal questions regarding the scope and application of France’s duty of vigilance law.
The company stated that it disagrees with the court’s interpretation of the legislation and intends to present its arguments before the Paris Court of Appeal. According to TotalEnergies, climate change is a global issue that extends beyond the scope of the French duty of vigilance law. The company pointed out that the Public Prosecutor’s Office, during the proceedings, had also taken the position that climate change is a worldwide phenomenon requiring coordinated action by the international community of states rather than being addressed through the legal obligations imposed on individual companies under the vigilance framework.
TotalEnergies further argued that the purpose of the duty of vigilance law is to encourage responsible corporate conduct by requiring companies to identify and manage risks arising from their own operations, as well as those of their subsidiaries, suppliers and subcontractors. In the company’s view, the legislation was not designed to extend responsibility to the independent actions of customers over whom companies have no operational control.
The company maintained that it does not determine how customers use energy products after purchase. Decisions regarding whether consumers drive petrol-powered vehicles, use biofuels or switch to electric vehicles remain personal choices. TotalEnergies stated that its role is to provide customers with access to a range of energy solutions while supporting the ongoing transition towards lower-carbon energy sources.
The company also expressed concern that expanding corporate liability to include the use of products by customers could create significant legal uncertainty for businesses operating in sectors such as energy, defence, aerospace and automotive manufacturing. It believes such an interpretation would go beyond the original intent of the legislation and could affect the principle of freedom to conduct business.
TotalEnergies also noted that the European Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) does not include customers’ activities within the scope of corporate due diligence obligations. The company said this demonstrates that European lawmakers have distinguished between risks arising within a company’s value chain and decisions made independently by end users.The appeal will provide an opportunity for the Paris Court of Appeal to examine these legal questions in greater detail and clarify the interpretation of the French duty of vigilance law.
TotalEnergies said it remains committed to conducting its business responsibly while advancing its climate strategy through investments in renewable energy, low-carbon technologies and measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, the company believes that addressing climate change requires coordinated action involving governments, industries, consumers and international institutions, supported by clear and consistent legal frameworks. Through the appeal process, TotalEnergies seeks greater legal clarity regarding the application of the duty of vigilance law while continuing to pursue its long-term strategy of balancing energy security, affordability and the transition to a lower-carbon future.
