Together with many other Italian B Corps we have signed an appeal to the Italian Government to support the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). As businesses, associations, B Corps, NGOs we hope to soon have a clear and unambiguous regulatory framework on EU level, so that companies do not have to deal with different national standards. We need common standards, instead of a regulatory fragmentation that would only lead to uncertainty and complexity. The Italian Government can play a significant role in the success of this process: that’s why we signed the appeal.
The text of the directive, agreed by EU negotiators after a long process, reflects a careful and pragmatic balance between the resolute commitment of countries to protect human rights and sustainability, and the need for caution in imposing new obligations on companies in a period of uncertainty and complexity in the global marketplace. The directive responds to the need of harmonised rules for the EU on issues we particularly care about, being a certified B Corp and a Benefit Corporation: social and environmental sustainability.
The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive would require companies to implement reasonable measures to prevent, mitigate and manage violations of human rights and breaches of environmental regulations throughout the value chain. The text ensures a high level of alignment with internationally recognised due diligence standards, thus creating a simplified framework for all companies.
Respect for human rights and environmental sustainability are built with day-to-day work and for this reason it is essential that a pragmatic, coherent and uniform legislation is introduced at EU level.
The text agreed by EU negotiators meets these requirements: hence the appeal, signed by dozens of Italian companies, associations and civic society bodies, sharing the idea that this system will ensure fairness for businesses across the EU and enable them to operate in a uniform environment.
