More than 100 large companies, SMEs and networks including Maersk, Aldi Süd Holding, Cisco, Nokia, H&M Group, Scania and Ritter Sport have united to endorse the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) at the stage of final formal confirmation [which was then successfully completed on 24 May 2024].

The statement once again demonstrates the unprecedented support businesses and other stakeholders have for the CSDDD. The statement says:

A fair and sustainable future for people and planet

With the CSDDD, the European Union is set to make the largest businesses on the single market future-proof. The European political institutions have shown leadership and carefully consulted with relevant stakeholders. The outcome of this process is a law that creates a level playing field. It fosters collaborative approaches on sustainability between business partners.

We, large companies, SMEs and networks, are already jointly working towards this future every day. Because respecting people and the planet is the only way of doing business properly. It is part of our companies’ value proposition. We believe taking responsibility and stepping up to the challenge is part of genuine entrepreneurship and corporate citizenship.

The CSDDD is substantially aligned with the international standards on Responsible Business Conduct. This makes it credible and its implementation manageable. At the same time, it is ground-breaking as it makes due diligence mandatory for companies that are in scope across the EU. This will raise the level of ambition, which is urgently needed.

We support the CSDDD and call on European decision makers to do so as well.

The full statement and list of signatories can be found below.