09-05-2025
New German chancellor Merz calls on EU to scrap supply chain law
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday called for the cancellation of the European Union's supply chain law during his inaugural visit to Brussels as head of government.
"We will revoke the national law in Germany. And I also expect the European Union to follow suit and really cancel this directive," he said, speaking alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The so-called Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) is part of von der Leyen's long-term push for more sustainable and climate-friendly regulations.
The law, this was adopted last year and is to be applied from 2028, aims to strengthen human rights worldwide. Large companies are to be held accountable for human rights violations in their supply chains including child or forced labour.
Some companies however see the directive as adding excessive requirements that would impose bureaucratic burdens and reduce Europe's competitiveness.
Merz welcomed the commission's effort to reduce bureaucracy and red tape in other areas.
