On 12 September 2017, the European Parliament voted in favour of a resolution “on the impact of international trade and the EU policies on global value chains.” The resolution was tabled by Maria Arena, on behalf of the International Trade Committee (INTA), and was approved by a significant majority of 497 votes to 124, with 56 abstentions.

The report calls for the EU to reform global value chains in order to protect workers and the environment worldwide. Amongst other recommendations, it calls on the EU Commission to consider stipulating extensive 'due diligence’ measures in supply chains, similar to those used for ‘conflict minerals’ and timber supply. This aligns with the increasing calls by European businesses for a level playing field and reduction of business risk and uncertainty through global legislation.

Klara Skrivankova, UK and Europe Programme Manager, said: “This resolution is an important step in the direction of making trade and global value chains more sustainable and accountable. The European Commission should follow these recommendations and introduce binding regulations on transparency and human rights due diligence to ensure that EU businesses tackle human rights abuses head on, and all the way down their supply chains.”