FuelsEurope position paper on the “European Commission proposal on the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence and amending Directive (EU) 2019/1937”

FuelsEurope is convinced that corporate social responsibility contributes to a sustainable, long-term economic and social development. The refining sector is committed to respecting human rights and its business practices reflect elements of instruments such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Businesses. In this context, we recognise the potential of due diligence in order to help support respecting human rights and preserve the environment.

We acknowledge the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) Proposal’s ambition to create a harmonised legislative framework for due diligence on human rights and environment.

FuelsEurope appreciates the careful approach taken by the European Commission with this innovative proposal.

In order to guarantee an effective EU-harmonised mandatory due diligence, the Directive should seek to ensure both legal certainty and proportionality in view of avoiding excessive administrative burdens for the companies and unintended consequences for the EU economy. To achieve these objectives, we would like to contribute with the following suggestions.