The Ombudsman welcomes the adoption of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDD Directive). After several years of negotiations at the level of the European Union, last week, on 24 May 2024, the Council of the European Union finally approved the directive, which had previously been adopted by the European Parliament. This will require large companies to carefully review compliance with human rights and environmental protection standards in their activities, as well as subcontractors and suppliers. In business practices, it happens too often that issues of respect for human rights and environmental protection are ignored.

"The adoption of the directive is an important step towards greater respect for human rights and the environment by companies operating in Europe. Although the directive only applies to larger companies, the adoption of the new legal framework also has an impact on other companies in their supply chains, both within the EU and beyond. Member States have two years to transpose it into their national legislation. I therefore urge the competent authorities to start preparing the legislation as soon as possible and to include representatives of the economy and civil society in the preparation. Respecting and protecting human rights and the environment is not only the obligation of the state, but also the responsibility of the economy," points out Ombudsman Peter Svetina.

He also adds that it is also necessary to address the remaining issues related to a socially responsible and sustainable economy. The institution of the Ombudsman therefore recommends that the monitoring and coordination of the implementation of the National Action Plan for the respect of human rights in the economy be transferred from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs to the Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport.