Global Value Chains and the EU Supply Chain Act

While the German Supply Chain Act will come into effect on 1 January 2023, the provisions of the proposal for an EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) are still being discussed. What economic impact the Directive will have on countries in the Global South is a divisive question. In a study commissioned by Gesamtmetall e.V., the Kiel Institute for the World Economy attributes negative economic and developmental effects to due diligence laws and warns against the consequences of the planned EU Directive. In contrast, in an anthology that was recently published by the Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR), economists and social scientists have shown the need to regulate value chains with regards to economic and labour policy. The results emphasise the potential of an EU Directive regarding economic and social upgrading in value chains.

In this Symposium, possible positive and negative economic impacts of an EU Directive in the Global South and in the EU will be discussed with representatives from science, politics and civil society. The question at hand is what the planned Directive should comprise of in order to promote sustainable economic development, especially in the Global South, whilst avoiding negative side effects. Against the backdrop of the current multiple crises, the symposium will also explore to what extent the Directive can counteract environmental, climate and human rights risks, while strengthening resilience in value chains.

The symposium will be held in person in the HWR Berlin in English and German. Simultaneous interpretation is available. It is also possible to attend the symposium digitally and ask questions via the chat.

We look forward to your participation and kindly request your registration.