Roadmaps
SETTING OUT PRIORITIES FOR BUSINESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE EASTERN PARTNERSHIP
How can Eastern Partnership countries better protect human rights in the context of business and align with international standards? And what do recent changes to the EU’s corporate sustainability due diligence rules mean for corporate accountability?
Two new policy briefs explore these questions and set out recommendations for policymakers and businesses in the Eastern Partnership and the EU. Their publication also marks the conclusion of the two-year SustainableBiz4EaP project.
New roadmaps chart the way forward for business and human rights
After two years of collaboration, learning and knowledge exchange, the Sustainable Business for Responsible Economic Development in the Eastern Partnership (SustainableBiz4EaP) project is drawing to a close, marked by the publication of two new roadmaps for EU and Eastern Partnership stakeholders.
It sets out a strategic vision and practical steps for how governments can protect human rights, companies can respect them, and people affected by business activities can access remedy.
“The significant reduction in the scope is a missed opportunity to better align the law with the UNGPs. Which companies are covered should be determined by the risk and likelihood of severe human rights impact, rather than primarily by company size. Ultimately, however, the Directive’s impact will depend on how it is transposed, implemented and enforced,” says Jessica Johansson, Programme Officer at Swedwatch and co-author of the roadmaps.
Training a new generation of practitioners
Another key part of SustainableBiz4EaP was a 40-hour online course that brought together participants from business, academia, government and civil society across the Eastern Partnership and the EU to explore human rights due diligence, responsible business conduct, EU regulation and the challenges of operating in high-risk and conflict-affected contexts. Read more about the trainings.
New podcast explores business and human rights in the region
The project also launched a podcast series, exploring business and human rights in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Topics include business conduct in conflict-affected contexts, legal developments in the region and the EU, and how companies are putting human rights into practice.
The series begins with ten episodes focusing on the Eastern Partnership and will continue with other parts of Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Looking ahead
While SustainableBiz4EaP is coming to an end, efforts to strengthen responsible business conduct and corporate respect for human rights across the Eastern Partnership continue. EU integration, evolving sustainability legislation and the ongoing war in Ukraine will continue to shape the conditions in which businesses operate.
The project’s roadmaps, training materials, research and podcast series will remain available to support continued learning and cooperation across the region. The podcast will keep on air – with new episodes every month.
Swedwatch would like to extend a warm thank you to all our partners, experts, participants and contributors who have shared their knowledge, experience and perspectives throughout these two years. Your engagement has been at the heart of SustainableBiz4EaP and the work we have achieved together.
About SustainableBiz4EaP
Funded by the Swedish Institute, the two year project has brought together organisations from Sweden, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and Germany to strengthen knowledge, dialogue and cooperation on business and human rights (BHR) and responsible business conduct in the Eastern Partnership region. Organisations in the consortium are:
The Eastern Partnership
Launched in 2009, the Eastern Partnership (EaP) brings together the EU, its Member States and five Eastern European partners: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, supporting their path towards EU integration.
