Corporate social responsibility of European businesses operating in third countries
16.4.2014
Question for written answer E-005050-14
to the Commission
Rule 117
Mitro Repo (S&D)
In April 2013, the eight-storey factory building Rana Plaza in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, collapsed. The disaster killed more than a thousand employees, and again drew the world’s attention to the miserable conditions prevailing in garment factories. After local demonstrations, the monthly pay of garment workers was increased from EUR 28 to EUR 48. However, according to recent reports, conditions and the work rate in the factories are even worse than before. Bangladesh is the second largest garment manufacturing country in the world after China.
The European Union has committed itself to promote ratification and effective implementation of ILO (International Labour Organisation) conventions, and particularly basic labour standards, in all its fields of activity. In addition, the European Union included social rights in the EU Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy which it adopted in 2012 for use in the EU’s external relations.
In answer to Written Question E-000618/2013, the Commission stated that it was promoting corporate social responsibility and internationally recognised principles and guidelines by encouraging European businesses to carry out risk-based due diligence, including through their supply chains.
The Commission also indicated that some voluntary sustainability standards schemes entailed the monitoring of every link of supply chains.
In view of this and with reference to previous questions tabled by Members of the European Parliament on the subject:
- 1.By what practical means has the Commission promoted and monitored the corporate social responsibility (CSR) of European enterprises and their respect for internationally recognised principles and guidelines?
- 2.By what practical means will the Commission participate in the monitoring of every link of the supply chains of European businesses operating in third countries?
- 3.Will the Commission recommend more binding CSR requirements for European businesses operating on the internal market and in third countries?
OJ C 405, 14/11/2014