Press release
Lawyers condemn the Omnibus proposal – a threat to the environment and EU competitiveness
24 February 2025
ClientEarth lawyers have condemned the European Commission's plan to weaken key EU Green Deal laws – undermining the EU’s environmental goals and competitiveness.
The leaked "Omnibus" proposal, revealed over the weekend, introduces far-reaching amendments to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), and the EU Taxonomy Regulation. The proposal saps the essence of the CSDDD - a crucial legislation designed to hold companies accountable for preventing and addressing environmental damage and human rights violations throughout their value chains.
The proposal goes far beyond simplifying reporting requirements. It drastically weakens corporate responsibility by limiting due diligence to direct business partners, and watering down climate transition plan obligations.
Reopening this law without an impact assessment or a proper consultation process – before it is even implemented – undermines democratic principles enshrined in the EU Treaties. The Commission’s rushed interservice consultation over the weekend appears reckless, casting further doubt on the legitimacy of the entire initiative.
ClientEarth senior lawyer Amandine Van den Berghe commented:
“The Commission has decided to tear down three key pillars of the Green Deal that ensure businesses act responsibly throughout their value chain – a reckless move that could actually not only hinder the EU's environmental goals but also the competitiveness of the EU market.
“At a time when corporate climate action needs more accountability, not less, weakening transition plan requirements is highly problematic. Companies must move beyond vague pledges and take real action.
"The revised wording sends mixed signals to companies, creating uncertainty about whether they must follow through on their plans. This ambiguity leaves them exposed to potential legal action compelling them to align with the 1.5°C target.”
The lawyers are urging the European Parliament and Council to oppose the inclusion of the CSDDD in the Omnibus changes.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
ClientEarth reacted to the proposal back in January. Earlier this month, the Commission conducted private, invitation-only meetings predominantly with business representatives, notably from the oil and gas sectors, while largely excluding civil society voices.
At the time of the meeting, we’ve shared our concerns regarding the one-sided and inadequate consultation through a letter addressed to the President of the European Commission.
Amendments proposed by the Omnibus weaken key provisions of the CSDDD:
- A narrowed scope creates blind spots. Shifting from a risk-based to a tier1-based approach limits due diligence to direct business partners, leading to inefficient resource use. This overlooks higher-risk actors further down the supply chain, disregarding established market practices and international guidelines.
- Weakened climate obligations undermine accountability. The revised requirement for climate transition plans merely calls for adoption rather than meaningful implementation. This weakens corporate responsibility at a time when stronger action is urgently needed.
About ClientEarth
ClientEarth is a non-profit organisation that uses the law to create systemic change that protects the Earth for – and with – its inhabitants. We are tackling climate change, protecting nature and stopping pollution, with partners and citizens around the globe. We hold industry and governments to account, and defend everyone’s right to a healthy world. From our offices in Europe, Asia and the USA we shape, implement and enforce the law, to build a future for our planet in which people and nature can thrive together.