Today, the EU Commission presented its proposal for an omnibus regulation to "simplify" the EU Supply Chain Directive and other regulations of the European Green Deal. Armin Paasch, human rights expert at Misereor, explains:

"With its omnibus proposal, the Commission is putting the chainsaw to the Supply Chain Directive even before it is applied. In doing so, it is largely fulfilling a wish list from the business lobby and paving the way once again for competition at the expense of textile workers, cocoa pickers, indigenous communities, biodiversity and the climate.

The omnibus proposal would not simplify the Supply Chain Directive, but would instead strip it of its teeth, rendering it ineffective. Those affected would no longer have the chance to obtain compensation and redress through civil courts. Companies would also no longer be obliged to implement climate plans.

We therefore appeal to the current and future German government and to the members of the Bundestag and the European Parliament to reject the Commission's plans and ensure that the existing Supply Chain Directive is implemented on time."