EU Approves Watered-Down Corporate Human Rights Law
The new law requires large companies to address human rights and environmental issues in their supply chains, but faces criticism for being too lenient.
- EU member states approve a new law aimed at protecting human rights in supply chains, requiring large companies to prevent child or forced labor and environmental damage.
- The law, significantly watered down during negotiations, will apply to companies with over 1,000 employees and €450 million in annual revenues.
- Germany abstained from the vote due to concerns over increased bureaucracy and the economic burden on small and medium-sized enterprises.
- Environmental and human rights groups criticize the law for being too weak, arguing it will exclude the majority of companies initially intended to be covered.
- The legislation still needs approval from the European Parliament, with a vote expected in the coming weeks.
Deutsche Welle 
The Guardian 
POLITICO 
Forbes 
Amnesty International 