Warborn’s compromise text also eliminates the law’s requirement for the EU to develop an EU-wide civil liability regime, increasing the complexity for victims, companies, and judges alike as they face navigating potentially hundreds of divergent legal regimes.

Several other political groups in the European Parliament supported Warborn’s compromise text only after he threatened the EPP would vote with far right parties to further undermine the law. Civil society organizations, including SOMO and Human Rights Watch, have documented the role of industry associations and European and US fossil fuel companies in pushing for the Omnibus I proposal. In contrast, an October 2 poll by Ipsos found that EU citizens support holding large companies accountable for human rights and environmental harm across their global value chains. Dozens of companies and investors have also expressed support for strong corporate due diligence requirements.

Lawmakers should spare no effort in the next phase of the negotiation to strengthen the law and possibly reintroduce civil liability at the European level. Not doing so would rubberstamp a race to the bottom that would have real, global consequences.

See also reactions from ClientEarth, the German Supply Chain Act Initiative (in German), Clean Clothes Campaign, Frank Bold and BHRRC (both via LinkedIn).