National implementation of CSDD Directive begins

The Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CSDD Directive) entered into force on 25 July 2024. The Directive aims to promote sustainable and responsible business conduct. The new rules will ensure that companies identify the adverse impacts of their business activities on human rights and the environment and mitigate these impacts. Another objective is to create a level playing field for companies operating in the European Union.

EU Member States will have two years to bring into force the national provisions necessary to comply with the Directive. The Directive will be applied gradually from July 2027. 

Working group and monitoring group to be appointed for national implementation 

The working group’s task will be to evaluate the need for national legislation required by the CSDD Directive and to prepare the necessary national provisions. The group’s work will take into account the Government Programme entry, according to which additional national regulation will be avoided when implementing EU legislation. 

The working group may also assess the national regulatory needs brought about by the EU’s Forced Labour Regulation, which is currently being finalised. 

Meanwhile, the task of the monitoring group will be to monitor and support the work of the working group. 

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has requested that interest groups submit proposals on members of the working group and monitoring group for the term of 1 October 2024–30 September 2025. Representatives from the relevant ministries, business and industry, employee and other organisations will be invited to the working group. A broader representation of the authorities and interest groups will be invited to participate in the monitoring group. 

Invitation to an open stakeholder event

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment will organise an open stakeholder event on Monday 30 September at 16.00–17.30 at conference room Paja (Mariankatu 9, Helsinki). Binding registrations for the event will be accepted until 23 September.

Participants are requested to provide their views on issues that should be considered in the national implementation of the CSDD Directive and on the parts of the Directive that require interpretation. In addition, stakeholders can submit written comments by email to hanna-erika.savolainen[a]gov.fi until Wednesday 2 October at 9.00. 

Inquiries: 
Laura Pätsi, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 29 5047 276 
Sami Teräväinen, Senior Officer, Legal Affairs, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 29 5060 088