Organisations urge EU to strengthen corporate responsibility rules

The statement, signed by Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), Cascale, amfori, Ethical Trade Norway, Ethical Trade Sweden, Fair Labor Association, Fair Wear Foundation, Green Button, and the Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP), called on EU policymakers to ensure that efforts to simplify the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) remain firmly aligned with internationally recognised standards, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and ILO Conventions, the organisations said in a joint press statement.

The signatories called on EU policymakers to integrate risk-based due diligence and reporting so companies prioritise the most serious risks to people and the environment instead of applying a uniform approach; promote cross-supply chain collaboration to gather essential data without restrictive caps that limit transparency and responsible practices; and guarantee legal certainty and stability to support confident business planning, investment, and global partnerships.

Risk-based due diligence enables companies to prioritise the most serious risks to people and the environment, build resilient supply chains that can withstand global shocks, and contribute meaningfully to the EU’s social and climate goals, added the statement.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (SG)