The Austrian government is setting out its position this week. Südwind and NeSoVe are demanding public approval from Economics Minister Kocher for the compromise reached.
Vienna (OTS) – on February 5, 2014. In December 2023, a political compromise was reached regarding the EU Supply Chain Act. The law stipulates that companies of a certain size will finally be obliged to monitor compliance with human rights and environmental standards along their supply chains. While Justice Minister Alma Zadić firmly supports the compromise reached, Economics Minister Martin Kocher remains silent. However, after the Council votes on Friday, the Austrian position must be determined in the next few days.
“The only thing that can now result from years of negotiations is the approval of the supply chain compromise. An abstention, which would be equivalent to a rejection in this vote, would call into question the democratic rules of the EU.”explains Bettina Rosenberger, coordinator of the “Human rights need laws” campaign and managing director of the Social Responsibility Network.
In December 2022, when the Council’s position on the draft was decided, Economics Minister Kocher abstained. At that time, this was justified by the inclusion of the financial sector, which was still possible at that time. However, the final compromise does not provide for the inclusion of the financial sector. “Another abstention by Economics Minister Kocher would therefore have no basis, but would only be the result of industry lobbying, which is also directed against the democratic legislative processes at EU level.”says Stefan Grasgruber-Kerl, Südwind supply chain expert.
If several EU countries abstain, this could mean that there is no majority for the compromise in the Council (COREPER). As a rule, the democratically negotiated and reached compromises are then also approved by the institutions. The German FDP’s public criticism of the compromise on the EU supply chain law already represents a breach of taboo. Over the course of years of negotiations, both the Council and the EU Parliament have put forward their positions. The EU Parliament’s position was even decided with votes from EPP and Renew MPs.
86% of the population agree that companies that cause or contribute to human rights abuses and environmental degradation should be held legally liable. 70 Austrian companies have also spoken out in favor of an effective EU supply chain law. “Economy Minister Kocher should feel committed to democratic processes, the interests of the population and those companies that already produce sustainably and finally create legal certainty with equal rules of the game for all companies in the EU.”said Grasgruber-Kerl in conclusion.
Questions & Contact:
Bettina Rosenberger
Social Responsibility Network
+43 660 8835409
bettina.rosenberger@nesove.at
Stefan Grasgruber-Kerl
Head of Campaigns
+43 69910040079
stefan.grasgruber-kerl@suedwind.at