EU: Rushed consultations on Omnibus proposal show lack of transparency & deregulation damages European Commission's integrity, says WWF
“Simplification Omnibus: A ticking time bomb for crucial EU sustainable finance laws”
Late on Friday, 21 February, the European Commission launched an interservice consultation to gather input from relevant DGs on the simplification omnibus proposal led by Commissioner Dombrovskis. Just days ahead of the expected release on Wednesday, 26 February, the package seeks to simplify key laws on sustainable finance, corporate due diligence, and sustainability reporting…
With fewer than 24 hours over a weekend for Commission services to provide feedback, this consultation is yet another example of the rushed approach that has defined this omnibus commitment. In stark contrast to the years of evidence gathering, public consultations, and balanced negotiations that shaped the targeted laws, it highlights the lack of transparency and undue haste that critics have been warning about for months.
Von der Leyen has repeatedly promised that this attempt at simplification would not mean deregulation and not harm the core objectives of the targeted laws. However, the latest developments indicate a shift towards deregulation, which would damage the Commission’s credibility and integrity…
The proposed changes to the CSDDD would significantly weaken the law, minimise its impact and limit the obligations for companies to address human rights and environmental risks in their supply chains…