Overview
- MEPs voted 318–309 with 34 abstentions to block the EPP–Renew–S&D compromise in a secret ballot.
- The rejected plan aligned with member states’ push to limit the law to companies with at least 5,000 employees and €1.5 billion turnover and to remove EU-level civil liability.
- The result reflected defections within the informal centrist alliance, with right-wing groups calling the relaxations insufficient and Greens, The Left, and some Social Democrats saying they went too far.
- The file returns to the plenary agenda in November, when fresh amendments can be introduced before interinstitutional negotiations resume.
- Reactions were sharp, as Green MEP Anna Cavazzini labeled the outcome a 'Super-GAU' for the EPP and EPP negotiator Jörgen Warborn faced criticism over reported threats to work with far-right forces.