EFFAT joins progressive forces across the EU in expressing deep anger at last week’s vote on the Omnibus package, adopted only through a deeply worrying alliance between the European People’s Party (EPP) and Far-Right groups. The outcome marks a serious erosion of the European Union’s commitment to protecting workers, safeguarding human rights, and ensuring responsible business conduct across global value chains.
The final text strips out key elements of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). Transition Plans have been removed entirely, civil liability cancelled, penalties for non-compliant companies have been watered down, and suspending relationships with business partners involved in human rights abuses has been made optional instead of mandatory. These changes fundamentally undermine the purpose of the legislation.
The decision was pushed through with the decisive support of far-right parties including AfD, Fidesz, Rassemblement National, Lega, Fratelli d’Italia and others, with the EPP issuing amendments to secure their support. Only one EPP member voted against the package, with none abstaining. This cynical choice prioritises short-term interests of large corporations over the rights and dignity of workers in Europe and beyond.
‘This vote exposes a deep fracture in the majority that appointed the European Commission and creates serious uncertainty for the future of key social and economic legislation. Relying on a far-right right-wing coalition in trilogue negotiations is both unacceptable and unstable. The EU must step back from this path and restore integrity to the CSDDD, so it can truly deliver justice and accountability’ , says Enrico Somaglia, EFFAT Secretary General.
There was a clear opportunity to reach a balanced compromise, one that would have ensured the CSDDD remained an effective, enforceable legislative instrument delivering for workers and the EU’s wider environmental and economic agenda.
‘EFFAT remains committed to working constructively with all pro-European forces to deliver a fair and effective due diligence regime, that is in the interest of all workers, and the wider European economy, rather than a small group of irresponsible companies. This framework must include strong civil liability provisions, as well as the meaningful involvement of trade unions and worker representatives in all phases of human rights due diligence policies and plans’ continued William Eddershaw, EFFAT company policy officer.
Workers’ rights should be a red line. The legislation adopted last week reflects the priorities of political actors determined to dismantle protections and weaken the European social model.
EFFAT will continue to fight for justice, for a just due diligence framework that places human rights, fair treatment, and responsible business at its core.
