The Omnibus proposal at the EU aims to simplify sustainability reporting and due diligence rules, but critics argue it would weaken corporate accountability and environmental protections.
The European Parliament’s vote on the Omnibus proposal yesterday (13th November 2025) has significant implications for sustainability regulations.
The European Parliament voted on the Omnibus proposal. The proposal was initially rejected in a ballot on 22 October, with 318 votes against, 309 in favour, and 34 abstentions.
However, in a new vote yesterday, MEPs approved a revised position on the Omnibus proposal, with 382 votes in favour, 249 against, and 13 abstentions.
This vote marks a significant shift, as it weakens corporate sustainability laws and removes mandatory climate transition plans.
The approved text will now be negotiated from the 18 November.
Critics argue that this move will water down environmental and human rights protections, while supporters claim it will reduce regulatory burdens on businesses.
Here’s what it means in practice:
*Weaker Sustainability Laws*: The approved text removes mandatory climate transition plans, exempting large emitters from setting concrete climate reduction steps.
*Reduced Reporting Requirements*: Over 90% of companies originally covered by the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) will be exempt from reporting requirements.
*Limited Supply Chain Transparency*: Companies will no longer be required to request information from business partners with fewer than 5,000 employees, making it harder to assess supply chain risks. Personally, I see this position as worrying as emissions heavily features through an organisation’s value chain and inheritantly that means your supply chain and many suppliers will fall under 5,000 employees.
*Impact on Human Rights and Environment*: Critics argue this will undermine efforts to protect human rights and the environment, allowing serious abuses to go unnoticed.
*Next Steps*: The EU Parliament’s forthcoming negotiations with EU governments will be pivotal in finalising the legislation by the end of 2025.
Stay tuned for further developments!
