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How can the European Supply Chain Directive (CSDDD) be well implemented?
This summer, the European Commission interviewed companies and scientists, NGOs, trade unions and citizens about the implementation of the European Supply Chain Directive (CSDDD). FEMNET participated in the consultation. In total, more than 500 questionnaires were submitted. The main focus of the consultation was on how to implement the Directive in the most cost-effective way. However, it should be crucial which tools are most effective in safeguarding human rights and protecting the environment and climate.
The question of the transposition of the Directive is justified. However, the Commission's focus was not on effectiveness. Instead, the questions were aimed at achieving the greatest possible cost efficiency. For years, lobby groups in the textile industry tried to steer the debate in a certain direction. "There is an increasing impression that framing at EU level is also shifting accordingly. As if the European Supply Chain Directive were primarily about the implementation of seemingly “cost-effective” solutions instead of human rights," says Adiba Afros, Member of the Board of FEMNET.
It is clear: The historical exploitation of people and the environment is lucrative for companies from the Global North. But it's time to take responsibility for the true cost of our business, instead of shifting it further to the Global South. In the end, we as a society bear all these costs. Collectively. While a few benefit. That's not fair. That is why we need a strong European supply chain law that upholds human rights, protects the environment and the climate, and distributes the real costs more equitably in the supply chains.
The European Supply Chain Act has survived an unprecedented lobbying campaign, albeit in a toned-down form. With the guidance on the implementation of the CSDDD, the Commission can now ensure real results for workers, communities and the environment, instead of continuing to build on a façade of ‘cost-effective’ compliance. It is not the economy that sets the limits, but our political priorities!