Social LobbyMap has released report, analysing the lobbying activities of 56 trade associations and 53 companies on the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).
The analysis found that associations are more opposed to the directive than individual companies, noting that some companies - including Nestlé, Unilever, and L’Oréal - publicly dissented from some of their industry groups’ positions on the Directive.
It also found that the intensity of trade associations’ lobbying efforts was significantly higher, meaning “supportive company voices are often overshadowed”.
Social LobbyMap also highlighted that food and apparel companies are among the strongest supporters of the CSDDD, while cross-sectoral associations, oil and gas associations and financial trade bodies were amongst the strongest opponents to the law.
The two most contentious areas raised by lobbyists were the provisions on civil liability and the value chain scope, both of which would been watered down in the European Commission’s proposed Omnibus package, which is being debated and negotiated by EU policymakers.
Social LobbyMap Director Elissandra da Costa said in a statement: “Our research shows a worrying disconnect: while many companies are ready to implement strong due diligence, their trade associations are lobbying to weaken standards. The louder, more coordinated voices risk distorting policymaking at a crucial stage.
“With the European Parliament preparing to vote on the Omnibus package, it is vital that policymakers recognise this imbalance and listen to the full diversity of business perspectives,” she added.