"European Commission measures to simplify business environment must align with UN Guiding Principles on business and human rights, warn experts", 20 March 2025.

The European Commission’s proposed Omnibus Simplification Package does not align with the UN Guiding Principles of Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and risks undermining important advancements on the business and human rights agenda, the Working Group on business and human rights warned today.

“The proposal is regrettably a step backwards,” the experts said. “Rather than advancing efforts to promote responsible business and accountability, it risks diluting existing EU standards that have made the EU a leader in business and human rights,” the experts said...

“We share the concerns, including of civil society and businesses, that the current text undermines efforts to protect human rights across supply and value chains, and deliver justice for victims when harm occurs,” the Working Group said.

“Restrictions on human rights due diligence, particularly limiting it to ‘direct partners’, undermine the comprehensive approach that the UNGPs require,” they recalled.

The experts also expressed critical concerns about civil liability.

“Effective accountability mechanisms are necessary for businesses to address risks and impacts. Without civil liability, there is no incentive for businesses to take human rights due diligence and related responsibilities seriously,” the experts warned...

The Working Group called on all parties to prioritise alignment with the UNGPs and uphold the EU’s reputation as a global leader in promoting human rights and sustainability in business practices as the Omnibus simplification package progresses through the European Parliament and the European Council...