background image

EU Policy. Corporate sustainability rules in doubt after failing secretive national vote

author image

By illuminem briefings

· 2 min read


illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Euronews or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: A pivotal EU law aimed at compelling companies to vet their supply chains for labor abuses and environmental harm is at risk after failing to secure enough support in a secretive vote by national diplomats
• Key objections from Germany and Italy have cast doubt on the directive's future, which seeks to align corporate practices to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius

🔭 The context: The proposed Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, which would also allow legal claims by trade unions and NGOs for non-compliance, has encountered resistance, complicating its passage before the upcoming European elections
• The lack of consensus was revealed during a meeting of EU national ambassadors, with opposition rooted in concerns over regulatory burden and applicability

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: This directive represents a significant step towards sustainable and responsible business practices within the EU, targeting issues like child labor in cobalt mining and deforestation in soy production
• Its potential postponement or abandonment threatens not only environmental and human rights advancements but also the EU's stance as a regulatory leader on global sustainability

⏭️ What's next: The future of the directive is uncertain, with possibilities including renegotiation or complete withdrawal, especially as the European political landscape may shift rightward in the next parliament
• Time is running out to secure a deal within the current legislative period, highlighting the urgency of resolving outstanding disputes

💬 One quote: "Member states are protecting all those companies that prefer not to take a close look at what is happening in their global supply chains," - Lara Wolters, MEP.

Click for more news covering the latest on sustainable business

Did you enjoy this illuminem voice? Support us by sharing this article!
author photo

About the author

illuminem's editorial team - providing you with concise summaries of the most important sustainability news of the day.

Follow us on Linkedin, Twitter​ & Instagram

Other illuminem Voices


Related Posts


You cannot miss it!

Weekly. Free. Your Top 10 Sustainability & Energy Posts.

You can unsubscribe at any time (read our privacy policy)