World
CSDDD at a crossroads: A defining moment for people and planet
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not represent in any way the editorial position of Euronews.
The passage of CSDDD is not negotiable: it is an essential stride towards a more just, sustainable, and accountable future. The decision on this law is an opportunity for the EU to lead by example, setting a standard that resonates globally, Catherine Howarth writes.
In an era marked by unprecedented global challenges, the imperative of enacting robust legislation that prioritises human rights and environmental protection cannot be overstated.
As the EU stands at a crossroads, facing the choice between a legislative framework that safeguards people and the planet and a path that continues on the route of business as usual, the impending EU decision on the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) is a moment that will define Europe’s future.
CSDDD is a game-changing piece of legislation aimed at reshaping how businesses operate in Europe and beyond while enhancing the protection of human rights and the environment – that is why ShareAction supported it.
Beneath the surface of business glitz and glamour lies the harsh reality faced by those whose lives are entwined with global supply chains.
A key instrument in the fight against climate change
CSDDD promises to shift this harsh reality. No longer would companies be able to turn a blind eye to the human cost of their operations, as CSDDD demands a reckoning with the ethical implications of their practices.
Consider the plight of those trapped in forced labour, a clear violation of human rights that persists despite the progress we claim to have made as a global society.
CSDDD, if enacted, would serve as a powerful deterrent, sending a clear message to businesses that exploitation and abuse will no longer be tolerated. It is a significant step towards ensuring that workers, regardless of their location in the world, are treated with the basic dignity and respect they deserve.
Moreover, CSDDD’s impact extends far beyond the confines of workplace abuse. It strikes at the heart of environmental degradation, a threat to the very fabric of our planet.
The directive requires companies to take action on their ecological footprint, addressing issues such as water pollution and emissions. By doing so, CSDDD becomes a key instrument in the global fight against climate change — an advocate for the preservation of our shared home.
Companies, often criticised for their relentless pursuit of profit at any cost, will now confront the inevitable shift towards sustainable and responsible business practices. CSDDD has the potential to mark the beginning of an era where financial success is intrinsically linked to a commitment to people and the planet.
This is more than a legal requirement; it is a sound investment in a future where business thrives in harmony with the environment and society. In this vein, a myriad of companies has raised their voices in support of CSDDD, highlighting that human rights and environmental due diligence make companies more resilient and better equipped to face future challenges.
No more time to waver
So why would any EU member state, let alone a great EU leader, want to use its power to block the principles of a cleaner, safer world? In recent weeks, Germany, due to pressures from the German Liberals, has become a blocker of CSDDD.
They have allowed their own internal political troubles to supersede the ambitions of the legislation. Not only that, but the German Liberals are lobbying other EU member states to follow suit and abstain at the next voting opportunity.
This cannot be allowed to happen. It is therefore crucial that Belgium, which currently holds the Presidency in the Council, brings the EU member states back to the table and makes them realise that what is at stake here goes far beyond the borders of one nation.
They must be clear about the historical importance of the measures in the CSDDD and leave Germany with no doubt that if they do not support CSDDD, they risk being on the wrong side of history and irreparably damaging their reputation.
The directive is not just a piece of legislation. It is a commitment to a future where businesses thrive while respecting the environment, and the rights of individuals are safeguarded. The approaching European elections should not be used as an excuse to compromise on these fundamental principles.
The passage of CSDDD is not negotiable: it is an essential stride towards a more just, sustainable, and accountable future. The decision on this law is an opportunity for the EU to lead by example, setting a standard that resonates globally.
There is no more time to waver, only to boldly support CSDDD for the betterment of us all.
ADVERTISEMENTCatherine Howarth is Chief Executive of ShareAction.
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A gunman who fatally shot a Canadian tourist and wounded more than a dozen others atop a historic pyramid in Mexico on Monday has been identified, according to officials.
Authorities identified the gunman as 27-year-old Julio Cesar Jasso, a Mexican national, according to a state official who spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to discuss the case publicly.
Jasso later died by suicide after turning the gun on himself, and security officials found a gun, a knife and ammunition. Authorities said he acted alone, with the State of Mexico government confirming he was the sole assailant on Monday night.
Officials said seven of the victims were struck by gunfire, while others were hurt in the chaos as people scrambled to get down from the pyramids, with some falling during the panic.
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The Pyramid of the Moon and the Pyramid of the Sun are seen along with smaller structures lining the Avenue of the Dead in Teotihuacan, Mexico, on March 19, 2020. A gunman killed a Canadian tourist and injured several others before taking his own life at the popular site, authorities said Monday. (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Those hospitalized included tourists from several countries, among them the United States, Colombia, Russia, Brazil and Canada, authorities said. The victims ranged in age from 6 to 61.
Footage circulating in local media appears to show the suspect positioned atop the structure as visitors rushed for safety below, with gunfire echoing across the site.
Police and forensic workers stand on a pyramid after authorities said a gunman opened fire in Teotihuacan, Mexico, Monday, April 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
The Teotihuacan complex, located just outside Mexico City, is one of the country’s most visited archaeological landmarks, drawing millions of international visitors each year to its towering pre-Hispanic structures.
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The shooting took place shortly after 11:30 a.m. when dozens of tourists were at the top of the Pyramid of the Moon.
Security measures at the site have changed in recent years, with routine entry screenings no longer consistently in place, according to a local guide.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum wrote on social media that the shooting would be investigated and that she was in touch with the Canadian Embassy.
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“What happened today in Teotihuacán deeply pains us. I express my most sincere solidarity with the affected individuals and their families,” she wrote.
Anita Anand, Canada’s foreign affairs minister, said on X that as a “result of a horrific act of gun violence, a Canadian was killed and another wounded in Teotihuacán” and that her “thoughts are with their family and loved ones.”
People visit the Pyramid of the Sun in the pre-Hispanic city of Teotihuacan near Mexico City, Mexico, on March 21, 2024, following the spring equinox. (Henry Romero/Reuters)
Later in the evening, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson also expressed “deep concern” and sadness over the deaths and numerous injuries, and said in a post on X that the U.S. is “ready to provide support as needed while Mexican authorities continue their investigation.”
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The National Institute of Anthropology and History said in a statement that the Teotihuacán archaeological site will remain closed until further notice.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Norway has pushed back against criticism from US President Donald Trump over what he described as “zero” European support in the conflict with Iran.
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“NATO is a defensive alliance. It is not an attack alliance,” Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide told Euronews’ Europe Today flagship morning show.
Eide said NATO members are focused on safeguarding key global trade routes, including keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. “NATO countries are doing something, but it’s not as a party to a conflict,” he added.
Trump has repeatedly criticised NATO allies for not backing Washington in the Iran conflict. He raised the issue again during a White House meeting earlier this month with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Eide argued that there had been no prior preparation or consensus within the alliance. As a result, there is “very limited appetite” among member states to join the war.
He said that while both the US and Iran may have reasons to end the conflict, “the sides are far apart”, with negotiations hindered by opposing demands.
On Monday, Trump said the United States would maintain its blockade of Iranian ports until Tehran agrees to a peace deal.
Still, Eide pointed to signs of “some progress”, noting the broader global impact of the conflict. “This is not only an issue for the two sides, but it affects the whole world economy,” he said.
Addressing a European diplomatic push to establish a Palestinian state, Eide reiterated support for a two-state solution based on long-standing United Nations principles. However, he acknowledged that such an outcome is “not around the corner”.
He added that a two-state solution is also in Israel’s interest, describing it as “the only viable solution for real peace in a very troubled region”.
Norway, alongside Spain and Ireland, recognised the State of Palestine in 2024.
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