The French government has asked the European Union to suspend the application of the Directive on the duty of vigilance, adopted last June, in order to limit the constraints weighing on businesses. A position that arouses strong criticism, especially from NGOs.
A turning point in the French position on the duty of vigilance
« Our companies need simplification, not additional administrative increase “Said Benjamin Haddad, Minister Delegate in charge of Europe, on the social network X. This position marks a reversal for France, which had nevertheless supported the development of this ambitious directive.
Adopted last June by the European Union, this text requires multinationals to ensure compliance with social and environmental rights throughout their production chains, including provisions against child labor, pollution and destruction of biodiversity . Inspired by a French law of 2017, the directive was perceived as a model to empower large companies.
However, the economic context seems to have rebatted the cards. The Draghi report, published in September, points to the brakes represented by environmental regulations for the competitiveness of European companies. Consequently, the Minister of the Economy, Eric Lombard, pleaded in Brussels for a revision of the directive. Among the French proposals: reduce the perimeter of the companies concerned by increasing the thresholds of employees and turnover, and excluding financial companies from additional constraints.
A text under pressure, virulent criticisms
This request for suspension is part of a broader betting strategy aimed at lightening the regulatory burden of European companies in the face of increased international competition. « Europe must revise recent legislation which are no longer adapted to the global context “Explains an official document from the French authorities.
-But this position causes the indignation of NGOs. In a joint press release, nine organizations, including Oxfam France and the Friends of the Earth, denounce a decision ” irresponsible And accuse the government of giving in to the pressures of the employers' lobbies. “” This text, necessary in the face of the climate and social crisis, risks being unraveled under the impetus of France “, They warn.
While the European Union wanted to be a pioneer in terms of environmental and social regulation, the French demand for a regulatory break is a strong signal to companies, but could also mark a significant decline in the fight for a more sustainable economic model.
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