In a resolution compiled by Marie Arena (S&D, Belgium) and adopted on Tuesday 12 September with 497 votes in favour, 124 against and 56 abstentions, the European Parliament calls for binding rules on the respect of human rights and environmental protection in trade.
The Parliament underlines the need for fairer trade to fight against the exploitation of workers in the poorest countries.
In the face of growing public criticism about the unfair redistribution of profits from international trade, the structure of which has undergone profound changes for several decades, the Parliament proposes a series of measures aiming to protect workers and the environment worldwide by reforming global value chains.
The MEPs propose strengthening corporate social responsibility by including rules on this in the trade and investment agreements negotiated by the EU.
They also suggest including enforceable rules on labour law and human rights in trade agreements.
The MEPs propose making the European Commission plan stringent measures on due diligence in supply chains, similar to the rules used for conflict minerals and the supply of timber.
They also propose developing a European strategy to protect whistle-blowers who report cases of forced labour and human trafficking.
In addition, the MEPs propose labelling goods to describe the social impact of their production in order to raise consumer awareness of this and contribute to a sustainable change.
"The EU has a key role to play in ensuring the respect of human rights and the environment. We are calling for binding regulations – like those for conflict minerals and the supply of timber – that would require multinationals to respect these rights and participate in a system of due diligence obligations", Arena states. (Original version in French by Emmanuel Hagry)