EU Parliament votes to strip back key sustainability rules

Instead of finding a broad compromise the conservative EPP group, led by Jörgen Warborn, chose to push through its deregulation measures together with party groups on the far right. With 382 votes in favour and 249 against, the Omnibus proposal was approved by the European Parliament earlier today.

“13 November 2025 marks a sad day for EU democracy – and for responsible business, human rights and environmental protection”, says Swedwatch’s Olivia Nordell, who has been following the process to establish a new EU directive on corporate accountability for human rights and the environment in global value chains (CSDDD, Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive).

Swedwatch will analyse the outcome of today’s vote in more detail, but it is already clear that some of the provisions the organisation had warned against have now become reality.

➡️ The requirements for climate transition plans have been removed, despite the fact that even the European Central Bank has highlighted how important this is for transforming Europe’s economy and strengthening the business sector’s contribution to the EU’s international climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.

➡️ The proposal for common rules on civil liability was also voted down. This weakens the ability of rights holders to claim compensation and hold companies accountable. The result will be less legal certainty and an uneven playing field in the EU internal market as we fall back on 27 national legal systems.

“This is a serious setback for workers’ rights, environmental protection and the EU’s climate ambitions”, says Oliva Nordell.

All focus will now be on the negotiations with the Council, expected to start next week.

“It is now up to the Member States and the parliament’s leading negotiator to restore key parts of the legislation, even if the conditions are, unfortunately, limited. Swedish stakeholders and media should scrutinise Sweden’s position and hold the government to account, to ensure that the protection of workers and the environment is strengthened”, says Olivia Nordell.

This is a serious setback for workers’ rights, environmental protection and the EU’s climate ambitions. It is now up to the Member States and the parliament’s leading negotiator to restore key parts of the legislation, even if the conditions are, unfortunately, limited.

Contact

Olivia Nordell, Program Officer, Swedwatch
+4673 383 71 28
olivia@swedwatch.org