#  Global Standard: Concern over EU Omnibus package weakening sustainability reporting

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**Stuttgart, Germany –** The following statement was issued today by [Global Standard](https://global-standard.org/), the nonprofit that owns and operates the Global [Organic](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/organic "<p>'Organic' is a regulated term used to distinguish systems of managed production and products derived therefrom that adhere to principles of health, ecology, fairness and care, and which are certified compliant to an organic standard's regulations by an Approved Certification Body. <br>GOTS defines organic textiles as being made with fibres from organic agriculture systems that are certified to one of the IFOAM Family of Standards, and that are processed in socially and ecologically responsible ways, in alignment with organic principles.</p>") Textile [Standard](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/standard "<p>standard glossary text</p>") ([GOTS](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/gots "<p>The worldwide leading voluntary sustainability standard for the post-harvest textile value chain for certified organic fibres, covering environmental criteria, human rights, social criteria and business conduct.</p>")):

“Global [Standard](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/standard "<p>standard glossary text</p>") views the recently published European Commission [Omnibus package](https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_614) as a step backwards in the pursuit of a more sustainable EU as the cornerstone of the Green Deal. Removing around 80% of companies from the scope of the Corporate [Sustainability](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/sustainability "<p>In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”</p>") Reporting Directive (CSRD), postponing its reporting requirements and introducing substantial changes to the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) goes far beyond simplification. By weakening social and environmental norms applying to companies, the Omnibus package is penalizing those economic actors, such as the more than 15,000 GOTS-certified facilities, that are convinced and have proven that long-term sustainability and competitiveness go hand in hand. The proposed amendments also discourage investors – when investments in sustainable technologies are needed more than ever.

In addition, at a time when consumers are most interested in the social as well as the environmental impact of supply chains, watering down the CSDDD’s requirements is disheartening. This move may lead to further environmental damage, corporate [human rights](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/human-rights "<p>Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and many more. Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination. (Source: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations)</p>") violations and business as usual, further reinforcing power imbalances.

GOTS remains firmly committed to advancing sustainability in the textile sector by relying on internationally recognised frameworks, including the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment and Footwear Sector. These frameworks provide a globally recognised foundation for [responsible business conduct](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/responsible-business-conduct "<p>A comprehensive approach to business operations that aligns with the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment and Footwear Sector. It encompasses a range of practices and policies that businesses should adopt to ensure they contribute positively to sustainable development, respect human rights, protect the environment and uphold ethical standards throughout their operations and supply chains.</p>"), supporting the idea that sustainability is not compromised in pursuit of economic or administrative simplifications.”

27 February 2025

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