Proposition 54K2564

Projet de loi relatif à la publication d'informations non financières et d'informations relatives à la diversité par certaines grandes sociétés et certains groupes.

General information ¶

Submitted by

MR Swedish coalition

Submission date

June 29, 2017

Official page

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Status

Adopted

Requirement

Simple

Subjects

EC Directive business management company law activity report

Voting ¶

Voted to adopt

Groen CD&V Vooruit Ecolo LE PS | SP DéFI ∉ Open Vld N-VA LDD MR PVDA | PTB PP

Abstained from voting

VB

Contact form ¶

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Discussion ¶

July 19, 2017 | Plenary session (Chamber of representatives)

Full source

I refer to my written report.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker.

The implementation of this European directive is a good thing. From now on, large companies will have to hold a public speech on how they exercise their social responsibilities, whether in matters of diversity within their governing bodies or in matters of human rights, environment and anti-corruption.

If they do not implement anything in these matters, they will have to make public recognition in a statement attached to the management report. This is an important signal in terms of corporate social and environmental responsibility. The bill also requires greater transparency in the remuneration of directors of companies in which public authorities exercise control. We support this approach.

However, as we said in the committee, we would have wanted to go further.

First, we regret that the Government has not followed the Central Council of Economy’s suggestion to extend the scope of the project to public enterprises. Secondly, we find that the Directive allowed to require the publication of information on the supply chain and subcontracts of the company. This opportunity, useful for NGOs interested in defending social rights, has not been seized.

Finally, we will be attentive to the implementation of the safe airborne clause which allows companies not to disclose information when referring to future developments in the company. This clause was not imposed by Europe. It was included in the project. Its implementation shall under no circumstances prejudice the right of information and consultation of trade unions.

Mr. Minister, dear colleagues, the bill is a step in the right direction but the choices made for transposition can be discussed. The government uses a peyorative term to justify a policy of minimum transposition of European directives. He says he wants to avoid gold-plating. However, another approach is possible. In France, a broad participatory consensus was established to invite civil society, academia and NGOs to give their opinion on how to transpose this directive. Being inspired by this method is ⁇ not something ugly.

As these reservations are issued, we will vote in favour of the project.

Mr Delannois, I would like to reassure you.

It is good that you find it necessary to justify your positive voice, as you have said yourself. The competent minister has asked me to make it clear that your concerns are included in the draft and that therefore everything is in order.