amfori Agenda 2024 calls on the EU for economic prosperity through social and environmental sustainability
Date
22 Oct 2019
Sections
Global Europe
Climate & Environment
Brussels, 22 October 2019.
In light of the new European Commission and Parliament, amfori presents its Agenda 2024 and seeks a comprehensive collaboration with the European Union (EU) to deliver social, environmental and economic benefits for all, inside and outside of the Union. A harmonised approach to human rights due diligence, a coordinated response to climate change and strict guarantees on future trade agreements to safeguard sustainability should be at the top of the EU’s agenda for the new term.
With over four decades of experience working with the European Institutions, amfori is ready to strengthen this partnership and continue providing guidance on how to achieve coherence between social, environmental and economic policies. As ideal allies and pioneers in embedding sustainability policy on a legislative and operational level, together we can improve today and tomorrow’s supply chains to deliver social, environmental and economic benefits for everyone.
Among our 14 priorities, amfori calls on the European Institutions to address:
- Human rights due diligence in the EU: we will collaborate with the Commission to prioritise a harmonised approach to maximise the protection of workers. This will ensure clarity and a level playing field for all.
- Climate change: to enable companies to adapt and take action to mitigate climate change, a solid regulatory framework is needed. It remains urgent for the European Commission to encourage innovation and have clear and measurable objectives, beyond commitments made in the European Green Deal, to be reached within a realistic timeframe. At an international level, a coordinated and more proactive approach is required to deliver on the Paris Agreement.
- Trade agreements: while the European Union continues to negotiate future trade deals, sustainable development chapters must be concluded with each trading partner who commits to implementing the Paris Agreement and core International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions.
Christian Ewert, President of amfori looks forward to deepening the association’s relationship with the new Commission: "The amfori Agenda 2024 sends a powerful message to the new Commission and European Parliament on the importance of open and sustainable trade for Europe and the wider world, as a major driver towards meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the European Green Deal."
amfori will advocate for these priorities over the next five years.
Read more about Agenda 2024.
For more information and interview opportunities, contact:
John McCarrick - Media Relations Expert
Tel: +32 (0)2 739 4 833
e-mail: john.mccarrick@amfori.org
About amfori: As the leading global business association for open and sustainable trade, we bring together over 2,400 retailers, importers, brands and national associations representing a combined turnover of more than 1.5 trillion euros.
We offer our members a practical framework and world-class tools that enable them to manage the social and environmental performance of their supply chains and anticipate trends. We also advocate for progressive policy and collaborate with high-level stakeholders to achieve common aims.