"EU Supply Chain Law Delayed as German Opposition Grows"

Germany's Free Democrats have blocked the adoption of a proposed EU law requiring large companies to assess their supply chains for forced labor and environmental damage, leading to the postponement of the vote by the Belgian EU presidency. The corporate sustainability due diligence directive (CSDDD) would apply to large EU companies and non-EU companies doing business in the EU, with fines for violations potentially reaching 5% of global turnover. The law faces opposition from German business groups and the Free Democrats, who argue it would impose excessive bureaucracy and unnecessary costs, while their coalition partners support the legislation and warn of Germany losing credibility in the EU.