Sustainability is mainstream and at the core of the EU’s long-term COVID-19 recovery plan. This sustainable recovery programme is multi-sector and includes a number of EU policy initiatives.

As part of this programme, EC Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders promised draft EU legislation in 2021 on sustainable corporate governance (SCG), including mandatory due diligence (MDD) by companies on social and environmental impacts through their supply chains.

On 26th October 2020, the European Commission launched a public consultation until 8th February 2021 on the future. A proposed Directive is foreseen for 2Q 2021.

The passage of the proposed Directive will give rise to much legal debate in the coming ;Lawyers representing a range of sectors, EU and global, bringing their experience and technical knowhow to the discussion, have a valuable contribution to make in ensuring the final EU legislation is effective, fair and sustainable.

In this context, the 5th annual EJSF plenary will focus on some of the main legal challenges facing companies in applying the future EU

A panel of speakers including representatives from Nestlé, ENGIE and White & Case will discuss with EU policymakers including MEP Lara Wolters, and other key stakeholders some of the legal challenges facing companies which will be subject to the future Directive.

For those who are interested, the plenary may launch a permanent EJSF working group on MDD and related policies to continue engagement with EU policymakers and stakeholders in the context of the broader EU sustainability agenda.