Human rights: Parliament collapses compromise on EU supply chain law

A controversial compromise to weaken the EU supply chain law has collapsed for the time being. A narrow majority of MPs voted not to start final negotiations with the EU states.

This means that Parliament will have to vote again on the content of the project in November. In the crucial negotiations with the EU states, it could advocate for stricter or significantly weaker rules.

What is particularly explosive about the decision is that the EPP, which also includes the CDU and CSU, the Social Democrats (S&D) and Liberals had actually previously negotiated a compromise in the Legal Affairs Committee.

The three factions actually work together in a kind of informal coalition. They have a narrow majority in parliament. However, in the secret vote, representatives from their own ranks must have deviated from the respective party line.

The Greens speak of a catastrophe

“This is a disaster for the EPP,” said Green MP Anna Cavazzini shortly after the vote. This is a reminder of the EPP’s blackmail tactics and threats to vote with the far right. Social Democrats also voted against the plan. The Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) speaks of a missed opportunity to relieve the burden on small and medium-sized industrial companies.

The EPP has vehemently criticized the Social Democrats. The compromise did not hold because parts of the Social Democrats could not stick to an agreement, it was said from circles in the European People’s Party after the vote. Thanks to the voices of right and left radicals and parts of the social democrats, many companies in Europe would have to wait unnecessarily. That is irresponsible.

Among other things, the Legal Committee agreed that the requirements only apply to large companies with more than 5,000 employees and an annual turnover of at least 1.5 billion euros. The original limit was 1,000 employees and a turnover limit of 450 million euros. In addition, companies that violate the rules should no longer be subject to civil liability at EU level.

The aim of the EU directive is to protect human rights

The European supply chain law was actually passed last year. The aim is to strengthen human rights worldwide. Large companies should be held accountable if they profit from human rights violations such as child or forced labor. After criticism from companies, parts of the directive should be simplified before they are applied.

The EPP negotiator Jörgen Warborn is said to have threatened during the negotiations to demand even greater changes to the project through a majority with right-wing to right-wing extremist forces.

When asked about the criticism, Warborn said at a recent press conference: “I’m very focused on the results.” It is good that there is a majority of Social Democrats and Liberals in the Legal Affairs Committee because Europe is in a problematic situation.