EU: EU Commission to propose a regulation by 2021 on human rights due diligence in global supply chains

On 29 April the European media reported that EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders had announced that next year, and as part of the EU Commission’s 2021 work plan and the European Green Deal, he would be presenting a legislative proposal that would create a due diligence obligation to prevent the risks of human rights violations in global supply chains. While clearly not new news (c.f. article No. 11675), Mr. Reynders’ announcement, made during a European Parliament webinar, confirms that the EU Commission has no intention of postponing this initiative and it also provides some timetabling indications. Its Directorate General will launch a public consultation on this initiative in the coming weeks, before presenting the legislation in the first quarter of 2021, and in the EU Commissioner’s view, the text should draw on the French ‘due diligence’ legislation and should ensure that victims have access to effective and robust remedy and enforcement mechanisms.