Goal:
We launched an action to to support the passage of the E.U. forced labor regulation bill. The bill would ban the import of goods suspected of being made with forced labor, including those linked to Uyghur exploitation, from entering Europe.
Summary:
The Freedom United community emailed E.U. representatives calling for the bill’s passage.
Timeline of events:
- September 14, 2022: The E.U. Commission proposed the forced labor regulation bill.
- November 29, 2023: Freedom United launched our action to call on E.U. representatives to support the bill.
- January 26, 2024: The European Union Council adopted its negotiating position on the bill.
- March 5, 2024: The E.U. Council and Parliament reached a provisional agreement on the bill.
- April 23, 2024: The European Parliament approved the passage of the bill.
- November 19, 2024: The E.U. Council approved the bill.
Outcome:
On November 19, 2024, the E.U. Council adopted the forced labor regulation bill which forbids the placing and making available on the E.U. market, or the export from the E.U.market, of any product made using forced labor. The bill will enter into force once the President of the European Parliament and the President of the Council sign it into law. It will apply 3 years after this.
This regulation will set a powerful precedent for countries worldwide to follow, protecting workers and holding corporations accountable for their supply chains.
We are so proud of our Freedom United community and partners who helped make this happen!
Freedom United is interested in hearing from our community and welcomes relevant, informed comments, advice, and insights that advance the conversation around our campaigns and advocacy. We value inclusivity and respect within our community. To be approved, your comments should be civil.