AG Global Responsibility appeals to Minister Kocher to support the EU Supply Chain Act in its final vote. Abstention after years of negotiations would be fatal
Vienna (OTS) – “If the EU member states do not agree to the final version of the EU supply chain law on February 9th or abstain from voting, it will represent a stress test for democracy.
Their approval is usually considered a mere formality, as the Council and Parliament had previously agreed on a compromise after years of negotiations. The fact that this is now being called into question undermines the EU’s democratic legislative processes and damages its credibility,” says Lukas Wank, managing director of AG Global Responsibility, concerned. The supply chain law would require companies to avoid violating human rights and environmental standards along their supply chains To make a contribution to climate protection.
“The reason for concern is Germany’s unclear position,” Wank continued. In mid-January, the FDP announced that it wanted to stop the law with the official title Directive on companies’ due diligence obligations with regard to sustainability. But Austria’s Economics Minister Martin Kocher, who is responsible for the law together with Justice Minister Alma Zadić, has not yet taken a clear position on the final text of the law. “The federal government will determine this this week. Therefore We appeal to Federal Minister Kocher to respect the negotiation process and support the compromise reached in the upcoming final vote. For the essential concerns of the law, an abstention would be just as fatal as a vote against.
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Supply chain law is a historical turning point
The consideration of the financial sector, a previous point of criticism from Minister Kocher, only appears in a much weaker form in the final version, adds Wank. “There is therefore nothing standing in the way of Minister Kocher’s approval. On the contrary: Austria and the other member states should see the supply chain law as a historic turning point in order to position themselves as reliable supporters of human rights, climate and environmental protection and democracy before the elections in June. A rejection based on supposed economic interests would damage their credibility in the long term
“Wank warns and concludes by emphasizing: “By ensuring fair conditions of competition, the law would actually provide a competitive advantage for many local business peoplewhich often serve as a figurehead for Austria’s sustainability.”
Die GLOBAL RESPONSIBILITY – Working Group for Development and Humanitarian Aid is the umbrella organization of 36 Austrian development and humanitarian non-governmental organizations. Our member organizations carry out 1,000 projects in 120 countries every year, helping to enable a decent life for everyone on a healthy planet.
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