Comprehensive analysis of EU Commission’s proposal for a directive on due diligence

On 23 February 2022, the European Commission released its proposal for a directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence.

The European Coalition for Corporate Justice (ECCJ), representing over 480 civil society, trade union and consumer organisations from 17 countries, welcomes the long-awaited text.

This directive could represent a landmark step forward in the direction of minimising the negative impacts of businesses on workers, communities and the environment worldwide, and advancing corporate accountability and justice.

However, despite many positive elements, the proposal falls short on numerous fundamental points. The text is riddled with flaws and shortcomings that risk dramatically limiting the law’s positive impact on human rights and the environment. These require significant improvements over the course of ensuing negotiations.

For the purpose of strengthening the text, we encourage the European Parliament and EU Member States to take into account ECCJ’s reflections and recommendations.