70 companies and networks, including Nokia, Novo Nordisk, Ørsted, Vattenfall, Maersk and Bestseller, released a statement urging their governments to vote in favour of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) at the upcoming Council meeting. The statement was originally released on 8 February.

The statement reads:

As Nordic businesses, we recognize that there is a critical need for business to play their part in addressing the urgent human rights and environmental challenges we face globally.

With the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), the EU has a unique opportunity to harness the transformative power of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. This will further strengthen the relationship between business and society and the realization of sustainable development. A mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence law that is applicable throughout the EU would serve as an international benchmark for advancing responsible business conduct. It would also create a level playing field across the EU to drive much needed action.

Nordic states have always shown leadership on matters of corporate sustainability and respect for human rights. We call upon our governments to continue to play a leadership role by supporting the CSDD in the final stages of the legislative process, including by voting in favour of the initiative at the upcoming Council meeting.

[full statement and signatories attached]