Binding treaty to ensure that transnational corporations uphold human rights

16.12.2015

Question for written answer E-015856-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Lola Sánchez Caldentey (GUE/NGL)

Ecuador and South Africa have been working to secure a binding UN treaty for transnational corporations. They have established a road map with a view to creating a new international legal instrument, which would require transnational corporations to comply with environmental standards and uphold human rights.

However, various civil society and public representatives who took part in the first meeting of the UN Human Rights Council intergovernmental working group in July 2015 condemned attempts made by the EU's representative to the UN at the start of the session to block the entire process.

What is the Commission's version of events? What role is the EU Delegation to the UN playing in this process?

Article 7 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) states that the Union shall ensure consistency between its policies and activities, taking all of its objectives into account and in accordance with the principle of conferral of powers.

Given the number of reported human rights violations by transnational companies, particularly in southern non-EU countries:

Will the Commission adhere to its own operating rules and ensure compliance with Article 7 of the TFEU?