In a joint statement, 90 economists from across Europe – including 20 from Germany – sharply criticized the EU Commission’s planned weakening of the EU Supply Chain Directive.
The researchers emphasize that the directive is a key step towards an economy that respects human rights, the environment, and the climate. And they warn against passing on social and ecological costs to the general public and future generations. On the contrary: The researchers do not see any economic disadvantages from its implementation, but rather incentives for sustainable innovation and specialization – including in the Global South.
The economists also contradict the EU Commission’s argument that sustainability rules endanger competitiveness. Instead, they argue that structural problems such as energy prices and low investment are the root causes of competition problems. They also point to broad support from the business community for the directive and call for its implementation as part of the Green Deal.