Finland for EU agenda for action on business, HR

Finland on Monday proposed an Agenda for Action with more than 20 proposals for measures on business and human rights.

Minister of Employment Timo Harakka published the statement at the Business and Human Rights conference held in Brussels, said an official press release.

“Interest in greater corporate social responsibility is growing among citizens, organisations, policy-makers and businesses. The EU, too, needs a more coherent and strategic direction. That is why we propose an EU agenda for action on business and human rights,” said Harakka in his closing address.

The conference statement was drawn up by Finland based on discussions at the conference.

Among the topics covered in the statement are public funding, reviewing and developing of legislation and judicial remedies, improving the effect of the trade and sustainable development chapters in free trade agreements, and strengthening cooperation in countries with weak governance.

The aim of the conference, organised by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs as part of Finland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, was to raise business and human rights issues higher on the EU agenda.

The conference was attended by more than 200 people, representing business, civil society organisations, labour market organisations, member states, EU institutions and international organisations.