Overview

• 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.