EU figures urge robust sustainability rules ahead of the EU Omnibus vote

Former EU leaders, ex Draghi minister and business representatives urge the EU to uphold robust sustainability rules ahead of the EU Omnibus vote:

• Over 30 influential voices, including former EU leaders, Commissioners and major industry
  representatives, urge the EU to uphold robust sustainability rules ahead of a key vote at the
  European Parliament.
• New signatories include Sanna Marin, former prime minister of Finland and Danuta Hübner,
  former EU Commissioner.

Brussels, Wednesday 8 October 2025 – A diverse coalition of over 30 high-level figures, including
former decision-makers and business representatives, is urging the EU to uphold robust
sustainability rules. This comes ahead of a key vote in the European Parliament’s legal affairs
committee on the first EU Commission Omnibus Package.

United call at a critical moment for EU sustainability

The joint letter warns that rolling back key sustainability rules would undermine Europe’s progress
towards a resilient, competitive and value-driven economy. The signatories advocate for
simplification that strengthens – not weakens – the EU’s reputation for responsible business and
climate action.
Among the signatories are:

• Enrico Giovannini, former minister under the Draghi and Letta governments
• Alan Jope, former CEO of Unilever
• Josep Borrell, former EU Foreign Policy Chief
• Nicolas Schmidt, Former EU Commissioner

“Weakening and delaying sustainability rules carries a price tag we cannot afford. Sustainability isn’t the burden—the burden is not being sustainable. Climate change is racing ahead, and politics is lagging behind. The focus should not be on how much sustainability will cost, but what value it will create for the future of Europe. If we accelerate the transition, Europe gains growth, innovation, and competitiveness. If we backtrack, Europe’s future is at risk.” Enrico Giovannini, former Italian Minister and Scientific Director of the Italian Alliance for Sustainable Development 

“We call for the European Union to put human dignity, social justice and global solidarity at the heart of their policies. We need to move forward, not backwards, and ensure a policy framework that protects people and the planet, our common home.” Msgr Landau, President of Caritas Europe

Why does it matter

The letter highlights that sustainability and competitiveness are not opposing goals. They mutually
reinforce each other. Weakening the EU’s sustainability framework would send the wrong signal to
businesses, investors and citizens at a time when clarity and ambition are most needed.

“Risk-based due diligence is informing strategic business decisions and supporting resilient supply chains. This is how policymakers can really support competitiveness and create an enabling environment. Now is the time to act with business best interests at heart.” Linda Kromjong, amfori President

In the last few days, new signatories include:

• Sanna Marin, former Prime Minister of Finland
• Msgr Landau, President of Caritas Europe
• Reiner Hoffmann, former President of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB)

“There is only one way to a self-sufficient Europe: sustainability. These rules don’t hold business back; on the contrary, they fuel our competitiveness. This is a strategic opportunity that lawmakers must protect if they also want a future-proof economy.” Sanna Marin, former Prime Minister of Finland

The signatories call on the EU to send clear signals to the market, enabling economic actors to
accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy, strengthen climate resilience and adopt
sustainable management models that respect Human Rights.