"Policy Regulation Compliance" News Archive

After two intense weeks of negotiations in Baku, Azerbaijan, COP29 concluded with a mix of notable advancements and lingering frustrations. While the summit offered a glimpse of global cooperation on climate change, particularly in terms of climate finance and emissions reduction, key issues remained unresolved, especially for developing nations bearing the brunt of the climate crisis.

In a significant move to elevate corporate transparency on sustainability issues, Belgium has officially implemented the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), further solidifying its commitment to climate action and responsible business practices. The CSRD introduces a new set of rigorous requirements that will reshape the way companies across Europe disclose environmental, social, and governance (ESG) information. For Belgium, this marks a decisive step toward aligning with EU-wide sustainability mandates and raising the bar for corporate accountability in a rapidly changing world.

A proposed delay to the European Union's landmark deforestation regulation has stirred up significant uncertainty across global commodities markets. The law, designed to tackle deforestation linked to the importation of key agricultural products such as cattle, coffee, cocoa, and soy, would require companies to trace and map their supply chains to ensure they do not contribute to forest destruction. Originally set to come into effect on December 30, 2024, the delay proposal is seen as an attempt to offer producers, particularly in developing countries, more time to adjust to the stringent new requirements. Yet, for many, this postponement might only delay the inevitable, leaving both small farmers and larger corporations grappling with the regulatory and logistical challenges ahead.

A recent study from Sourcing Champions signals a concerning stall in net-zero progress among global companies, particularly in emissions tied to supply chains and procurement. While larger firms are more likely to have set formal net-zero targets, many small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) lag behind. This growing disparity, especially among smaller firms critical to global supply chains, could undermine broader climate goals if left unaddressed.

As COP29 opens this week in Azerbaijan, global leaders are gathering with high expectations to deliver on COP28’s groundbreaking resolutions to phase out fossil fuels and triple renewable energy capacity by 2030. Positioned as a "finance COP," COP29’s mission is to establish mechanisms and targets that will fund this historic energy transition. Yet, with Azerbaijan—a nation heavily reliant on fossil fuels—as host, the outcome depends heavily on whether progressive nations can steer the summit toward concrete action.

Ecuador remains a world leader in banana exports, with the EU serving as its largest market. However, the growing sustainability and compliance requirements imposed by European regulators are creating both opportunities and challenges for Ecuador’s banana sector. As the industry aligns with the EU’s Green Deal and “Farm to Fork” strategy, stakeholders are seeking solutions to balance increased costs with fair pricing practices.

As global awareness of human rights and environmental issues heightens, the European Union has responded with legislative measures to address these challenges, most notably the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D). Adopted by the European Parliament in April 2024 and coming into effect on July 25, 2024, the directive mandates EU member states to integrate these provisions into national laws by July 26, 2026.

The Biobased Solutions Catalogue, part of the WORM Project, promotes eco-friendly, bio-based products for humanitarian operations, reducing plastic waste and supporting sustainable procurement.

London – Ninian Wilson, the esteemed Global Supply Chain Director and CEO of Vodafone Procurement, has been awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural Global Procurement & Supply Chain Awards. This recognition highlights Wilson’s profound influence and commitment to excellence in procurement and supply chain management.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is poised to propose a resolution to the ongoing enforcement impasse surrounding the EU’s new anti-deforestation regulation, as disclosed during a recent European People’s Party (EPP) meeting.