Letter to:
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy
Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection
Subject: Upholding the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) – A Call for Integrity and Stability.
Your Excellency,
We, the European Grandparents for Climate, write to express our deep concern regarding the current attempts – particularly supported by the German and French governments – to weaken or potentially repeal the only quite recently adopted CSDDD.
We strongly oppose any rollback of this legislation. It is deeply troubling that a law passed only recently, and after thorough negotiation, could now be labelled “excessive” and reconsidered under political pressure. Such actions undermine the credibility of the European Union’s legislative process. When laws or directives are so quickly reversed, even after democratic consensus, it creates a dangerous precedent and fuels uncertainty for all actors involved – governments, businesses, and civil society alike.
The EU must demonstrate consistency and reliability in its commitment to environmental protection, human rights, and the principles of sustainable economic governance. The CSDDD is not only a moral necessity – it is also economically viable. Existing data indicate that compliance costs for companies are manageable and do not justify the sweeping criticisms now being raised.
We therefore urge the Commission to stand by its commitments. Laws that protect the climate, the environment and human rights must not become bargaining chips in changing political landscapes. The long-term credibility of the EU and the trust of its citizens, depend on the stability and integrity of its legislation.
As elders, citizens, and Europeans, we appeal to you: uphold the rule of law, honour democratic decisions and protect the legacy we leave to future generations.
Sincerely,
Dr. Godela von Kirchbach and Eva Riemer
Co-chairs European Grandparents for Climate