Clear message from labour organisations, NGOs, and businesses: We are concerned about potential delays in the implementation of the EU Battery Regulation due diligence rules

The need for sustainable batteries in Europe is growing. Sustainable batteries are essential because they reduce environmental impact, support a circular economy, and ensure ethical sourcing of raw materials—critical factors in the transition to clean energy. The EU Battery Regulation adopted in 2023 is a step in that direction. The due diligence rules, set out in the regulation, will be a turning point for green and ethical batteries. And it will help drive greater supply chain resilience. The coalition´s message means a swift and full implementation of the rules is key.

A letter has been sent this week to the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, Stéphane Séjourné, the Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Economy and Productivity; Implementation and Simplification, Valdis Dombrovskis, Director General, DG Grow, Kerstin Jorna and Director General Florika Fink-Hooijer, DG Environment. The group called on the Commission to finalise the guidelines for implementing the due diligence requirements and establish robust criteria for recognising due diligence schemes under the EU Battery Regulation.

The battery due diligence rules should not be included in the current simplification agenda. The coalition has called for the full entry into force of the due diligence obligations by August 2025 at the latest. This will ensure a world-leading battery supply chain in Europe and a commitment to clean and ethical batteries.

Read the letter here