The growing complexity and globalisation of supply chains renders it increasingly important to promote the application of high human rights and sustainability standards in EU countries and around the world.

In line with this, the EU is global leader on Responsible Business Conduct  and a frontrunner in implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the first globally agreed standard to prevent, address and remedy negative effects on human rights caused by business activities.

The EU has adopted a smart mix of voluntary and mandatory measures on business and human rights and responsible business conduct, including due diligence requirements for companies to identify and mitigate adverse human rights and environmental impacts associated with their activities and measures to guarantee access to remedy by victims of human rights violations. The Commission has adopted a proposal on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence with the aim to introduce mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence across sectors.

The EU also promotes responsible business conduct through projects assisting governments and businesses in Latin America and Asia and EU Delegations are actively engaged in third countries to advance the global implementation of the UN Guiding Principles, for example by means of dedicated training and events.  In addition, to date 15 EU Member States have adopted National Action Plans on business and human rights to ensure the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles.

The EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024 sets as a priority to reinforce the EU’s global leadership on the Business and Human Rights, in particular by enhancing the coordination and coherence of EU actions in this area.