Sharp criticism of the Minister of Economic Affairs – economist Johannes Jäger, Südwind and NeSoVe criticize bogus arguments about the supply chain law
Vienna (OTS) – With his announced abstention from the fully negotiated EU supply chain law, Economics Minister Kocher is putting the interests of business associations above the democratic legislative process of the EU institutions and endangering a uniform legal framework that would ensure that the same rules apply to all companies.
“Economy Minister Kocher’s abstention is based on bogus arguments and is an unacceptable democratic political farce that calls into question the EU’s legislative processes. Here, industry lobbying is put ahead of the interests of the population and those companies that already produce sustainably and demand equal rules of the game for everyone,” says Konrad Rehling, managing director of the human rights organization Südwind.
Kocher’s demand to renegotiate at the European level ignores the fact that the present text is a compromise that came about after years of negotiations between the EU Parliament, the EU Commission and the member states. The Austrian federal government was always involved in the legislative process.
Study shows positive effects for domestic companies
“The fact that the Austrian business associations are dissatisfied with the result is not a valid argument for questioning the EU’s legislative processes,” criticizes Bettina Rosenberger, coordinator of the “Human Rights Need Laws” campaign and managing director of the Social Responsibility Network (NeSoVe). “It is shocking that the ÖVP, as a party that has long sold itself as a serious European party, is prepared to disregard the rules of the EU, especially in an election year.”
Economics Minister Kocher’s reasons for abstaining are purely bogus arguments. A recent study by the AK also shows that the EU Supply Chain Act would have a positive impact on Austrian and EU companies. The co-author of the study and head of the economics department at the BFI Vienna University of Applied Sciences, Johannes Jäger, Prof (FH), points to this: “A narrow focus solely on possible costs obscures the view of opportunities and the overall positive economic effects for both European companies the people in the Global South. Only larger companies are directly covered by the directive. Those companies that are already committed to sustainable supply chains will be protected from unfair competition from those who do not care about human rights and the environment. Small and medium-sized companies can even benefit from this. In addition, financial support measures are foreseen for them, if necessary, within the framework of Article 7(2)(d) of the Directive (CSDDD).”
Questions & Contact:
Bettina Rosenberger
Campaign Coordinator “Human rights need laws!”
+43 660 8835409
bettina.rosenberger@nesove.at
c/o Social Responsibility Network
Stefanie Marek
Press spokeswoman Südwind
+ 43 680 1583016
stefanie.marek@suedwind.at
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