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Omnibus Law: A Threat to Sustainability and Rights in the EU

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On 8 November 2024, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a proposal to amend key elements of the European Green Deal through an Omnibus law. This would involve revising the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and the Taxonomy Regulation. While the European Green Deal represents a cornerstone of sustainable governance in the EU, this proposed reopening of legislative files has sparked widespread concern among human rights defenders, environmental advocates, trade unions, and climate activists. These groups have called on the European Commission to uphold the integrity of these critical laws, maintain their original implementation timelines, and ensure transparency throughout the legislative process.


Corporate accountability laws are essential for fostering sustainable business practices and ensuring that companies operating in the EU respect human rights and environmental standards. Recent reports highlight the urgency of these frameworks, given the ongoing exploitation within global supply chains and the environmental harm caused by unsustainable practices. Yet, despite the vital role of the CSDDD, CSRD, and Taxonomy Regulation, there are growing fears that the proposed amendments could undermine their effectiveness. This comes at a time when companies are already lagging in making necessary investments to transition toward sustainable and resilient business models.


The uncertainty generated by the Omnibus proposal poses significant risks. Member States that have initiated the transposition of these laws may face disruptions, while businesses that failed to prepare for compliance could be rewarded for their inaction. A potential dilution of value chain standards risks triggering a "race to the bottom," undermining European manufacturing and perpetuating human rights abuses and environmental damage worldwide. With non-EU countries such as the UK, Norway, and Brazil advancing mandatory due diligence laws, the EU must reaffirm its leadership role by protecting and strengthening its sustainability framework.

In response to this, on 14 January 170 civil society organizations, human rights defenders and trade unions have signed a joint statement. HRIC, as part of the Italian coalition Impresa2030 has signed the statement, to demand to:

  • Safeguard EU corporate accountability frameworks, including the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and the Taxonomy Regulation.  

  • Commit to the established timeline for the adoption and enforcement of these critical regulations, ensuring clear and timely guidance for stakeholders to achieve compliance. 

  • As a priority, provide clarity on the Commission’s objectives and ensure complete transparency regarding the purpose, scope, timeline, legislative procedures, impact assessments, and consultation phases related to the proposed Omnibus law.  


To read the entire statement, click on the file below.



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