EU as Proponent of Sustainable Development: Convergences and Divergences in Times of Crisis

Abstract

Adherence to sustainable development as overarching principle of the EU policies and actions has been considered one of the main strengths of the European integration model. But the times of financial, social, health and security crisis have brought divergences from the original ambitions. It is argued that to overcome the polycrisis while maintaining legitimacy, the Union must realize its commitments enshrined in the EU Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights by providing materially dignified, socially just and environmentally sensible life for all. Effective corporate sustainability due diligence can be a contributing factor to this end. The analyzed proposal for a directive, however, displays several conceptual and systemic weaknesses that may undermine the declared intentions.