'JOINT PRESS RELEASE: EU Commission persists in undemocratic push to weaken accountability laws – NGOs call on MEPs to act'

NGOs condemn the EU Commission’s obstinate refusal to acknowledge the undemocratic and opaque process that led to the so-called first Simplification Omnibus – and urge Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to reject the weakening of key corporate accountability laws.

In a written response to the European Ombudswoman – which opened an inquiry into the potential maladministration by the Commission in the first Omnibus package – the Commission doubled down in defending the way its proposal was put forward, despite clear breaches of its own Better Regulation guidelines and essential procedural requirement under the European Climate Law.

In April, ClientEarth together with Anti-Slavery International, Clean Clothes Campaign, European Coalition for Corporate Justice, Friends of the Earth Europe, Global Witness, Notre Affaire À Tous and T&E, lodged a complaint with the Ombudswoman highlighting the flawed process that led to the Omnibus proposal, including the lack of public consultation, lack of transparency, absence of impact and climate assessments, and the disproportionate influence of corporate interests...

NGOs are calling on Members of the European Parliament to reject changes that would jeopardise the EU’s environmental goals and put companies committed to sustainability at a competitive disadvantage in an upcoming  JURI Committee vote planned for October 13 and later in plenary session....

"Members of the European Parliament cannot ignore the disastrous consequences that the Commission’s proposed changes to the CSDDD would have for human rights, the environment, and Europe’s ability to meet its climate goals. MEPs must act responsibly and safeguard legal certainty for both businesses and citizens. This so-called ‘Simplification Omnibus’ is anything but simple – it risks making companies’ lives more complicated and rewards laggards over those already making efforts to transition.”
NGOs' representatives

The coalition of NGOs will submit their reply to the Ombudswoman on October 13...