Yesterday, 29th of April 2020, Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders announced, in a webinar hosted by Greens/EFA MEP Heidi Hautala, that the Commission will introduce a legislative initiative next year on mandatory due diligence for companies.

Heidi Hautala MEP, Greens/EFA Coordinator in the International Trade Committee, and the chair of the European Parliament’s Responsible Business Conduct Working Group comments:

“I am delighted at the commitment Commissioner Reynders showed towards protection of human rights and environment through EU-wide and mandatory due diligence legislation with an enforcement mechanism, applicable across all sectors. I welcome the Commissioner’s view that sustainable corporate governance and due diligence are an essential part of the EU’s recovery package. We should not rebuild the old economy, but a new one that is greener, more sustainable and more resilient.”

“The long awaited commitment from the Commissioner opens up an opportunity for all to start defining how such ground-breaking legislation should look like. The already established cooperation between MEPs, civil society and responsible businesses can now enter into a new exciting stage.” ...