Joint statement on the need for legal certainty and pragmatic implementation of the EU Sustainability Due Diligence framework

On February 18, 2025, the Fair Labor Association joined amfori, Cascale, Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), ETI Norway, ETI Sweden, ETI Denmark, Fair Wear, German Partnership for Sustainable Textiles, Green Button, and Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP) to release a joint statement on the EU Sustainability Due Diligence framework in light of the upcoming Omnibus legislation expected to amend key sustainability regulations.

The EU Commission is expected to present the Omnibus legislation in the coming weeks, aiming to enhance Europe’s competitiveness and streamline key sustainability regulations. This package is likely to include changes to the EU Taxonomy, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) – all of which form the backbone of Europe’s sustainability framework.

As discussions progress, these organizations reaffirm their strong support for a robust and pragmatic implementation of the EU Sustainability due diligence framework. They stress the need for legal certainty and a level playing field across global supply chains.

Safeguarding Progress: A Call for Stability and Legal Certainty

The joint statement reflects the organizations’ years of experience in supporting businesses as they integrate ESG due diligence into their supply chains.

“The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, as adopted, is a milestone that will scale up due diligence efforts and reinforce alignment with international standards such as the OECD Guidelines, the UN Guiding Principles (UNGPs), and ILO Conventions,” the joint statement reads.

Key Recommendations to the European Commission

The signatory organizations call on the European Commission to:

• Ensure a pragmatic and effective implementation of the EU Sustainability Due Diligence Framework
• Provide legal certainty, enabling businesses to operate effectively within the EU market and ensuring global trading partners can confidently engage with EU businesses
• Avoid deregulation under the guise of moving “bolder, simpler, faster,” as this could weaken sustainability commitments

The 11 organizations remain committed to supporting businesses as they navigate due diligence obligations and continue advocating for a balanced, legally sound, and future-proof sustainability framework.