ESG & Supply Chains in Europe - The New EU Due Diligence Duty

Introduction

After intense negotiations, the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD/CS3D) was adopted in 2024 and entered into force in July 2024. It applies to certain large EU and non-EU companies and, indirectly, to business partners across their chain of activities. Application is phased.

Since adoption, changes have been made and more are expected. Omnibus I (“stop-the-clock”) has already pushed out the first application phase and related transposition to give businesses more time. Omnibus II (the “content” package) is under negotiation and is expected to simplify how due diligence is applied and supervised.

In parallel, the 21 August 2025 US-EU joint statement signals that the EU will ensure CSDDD/CSRD do not unduly restrict trade, and foreshadows adjustments to climate-transition obligations, civil-liability architecture and the treatment of non-EU companies. Together, these moves may affect scope, sequencing and enforcement, while keeping the core aim: effective, risk-based due diligence on human rights and the environment.

Even with timelines shifting, companies should map salient risks, refresh policies and contracts, and set up proportionate controls now so they are ready as Member State laws take effect.

What You Will Learn

This live and interactive course will cover the following:

• CSDDD in a nutshell - objectives, entry into force, phased application, and interaction with CSRD.
• Who is covered & when - current scope and phasing; what Omnibus I changes for timing, and where Omnibus II may recalibrate the roll-out.
• What is covered - due-diligence system across the chain of activities (governance, risk mapping, prevention, remediation, grievance).
• Expected changes under the “content” Omnibus (at a glance) - a more targeted focus on direct business partners (with limited look-through), longer monitoring cycles, refined stakeholder engagement, updated climate-transition plan expectations, administrative enforcement guided by EU-level fining principles, and a different approach to harmonised civil liability.
• Transition plans - what to prepare now, mindful that detailed obligations are being refined.
• Getting it wrong - supervisory exposure and civil-claims risk in a landscape that is being adjusted by Omnibus II and influenced by the US-EU statement.
• Latest developments & outlook - what to watch in the coming trilogues and how to stay ahead with pragmatic next steps.

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.