Joint Statement: The Need for Legal Certainty and Pragmatic Implementation of the EU Sustainability Due Diligence Framework

Today, eleven organisations – including the Social & Labor Convergence Program, amfori, Cascale, Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), ETI Norway, ETI Sweden, ETI Denmark, Fair Labor Association, Fair Wear, German Partnership for Sustainable Textiles, and Green Button – release a joint statement on the EU Sustainability Due diligence framework in light of the upcoming Omnibus legislation expected to amend key sustainability regulations.

The EU Commission is expected to present the Omnibus legislation in the coming weeks, aiming to enhance Europe's competitiveness and streamline key sustainability regulations. This package is likely to include changes to the EU Taxonomy, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) – all of which form the backbone of Europe’s sustainability framework. 

As discussions progress, these organisations reaffirm their strong support for a robust and pragmatic implementation of the EU Sustainability due diligence framework. They stress the need for legal certainty and a level playing field across global supply chains. 

Safeguarding Progress: A Call for Stability and Legal Certainty

The joint statement reflects the organisations' years of experience in supporting businesses as they integrate ESG due diligence into their supply chains.

"The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, as adopted, is a milestone that will scale up due diligence efforts and reinforce alignment with international standards such as the OECD Guidelines, the UN Guiding Principles (UNGPs), and ILO Conventions,” the joint statement reads.

Key Recommendations to the European Commission

The signatory organisations call on the European Commission to: 

• Ensure a pragmatic and effective implementation of the EU Sustainability Due Diligence Framework

• Provide legal certainty, enabling businesses to operate effectively within the EU market and ensuring global trading partners can confidently engage with EU businesses

• Avoid deregulation under the guise of moving “bolder, simpler, faster,” as this could weaken sustainability commitments

The 11 organisations remain committed to supporting businesses as they navigate due diligence obligations and continue advocating for a balanced, legally sound, and future-proof sustainability framework.