EU Updates - July
Beyond Due Diligence: The European Commission’s Plan for a Mandatory Due Diligence Law
In July, the European Commission will pursue a public consultation on mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence, moving forwards in its plans to reach a legislative proposal in 2021.
Already in April Didier Reynders, EU Commissioner for Justice, announced the Commission’s intentions to propose new rules as part of the European Green Deal. According to Reynders, a mandatory due diligence legislation should:
Adopt a cross-sector approach and be be horizontal
Target every company acting in the single market, including also non-European businesses
Include civil liability for human rights abuses and environmental harm to ensure compliance and give access to remedy for victims
Involve specific provisions tailored to the needs of SMEs.
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Towards The Fourth Eco-design And Energy Labeling Working Plan
In July, the European Commission will pursue a stakeholder consultation on the first drafts of the preparatory study that will inform and assist the Commission in preparing the Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Working Plan 2020-2024.
Already in March, as the demand for more efficient products to reduce energy and resource consumption is growing world-wide, the European Commission announced its intention to propose a new legislative proposal on sustainable products to widen the Ecodesign Directive beyond energy-related products.
Are you interested in sharing your views and providing feedback? Register for the first Stakeholder Meeting on July 10.
for more information:
An Updated Skills Agenda for a Stronger Job Market
The coronavirus pandemic disrupted the labour market, bringing new career challenges for many people and accelerating the green and digital transition in Europe.
With today’s update on the European Skills Agenda, the Commission aims at ensuring the right to training and lifelong learning by unlocking public and private investment in people's skills.
The Agenda includes 12 actions to strengthen sustainable competitiveness, ensure social fairness and build our resilience:
A Pact for Skills
Strengthening skills intelligence
EU support for strategic national upskilling action
Proposal for a Council Recommendation on Vocational Education and Training for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness, and resilience
Rolling out the European universities’ initiative and upskilling scientists
Skills to support the green and digital transitions
Increasing STEM graduates and fostering entrepreneurial and transversal skills
Skills for Life
Initiative on Individual Learning Accounts
A European approach to micro-credentials
Improving the enabling framework to unlock Member States' and private investments in skills
The European Skills Agenda was announced in the European Green Deal communication, under the fifth priority “Promoting our European Way of Life”.