Regarding the supply chain law, the SPD contradicts the demands of Chancellor Friedrich Merz

A few days after Friedrich Merz's first trip to Brussels in his new role, disagreements between the Chancellor and his deputy, Lars Klingbeil, emerged. The SPD politician contradicted Merz regarding the European Supply Chain Act. Of course, the new federal government must reduce bureaucracy, Klingbeil said. "But overall, we agreed that the Supply Chain Act is important," emphasized the SPD leader and Finance Minister.

During his inaugural visit to Brussels on Friday, Merz called for the abolition of the European Supply Chain Directive in two press conferences. "We will repeal the national law in Germany. I also expect the European Union to follow this step and truly repeal this directive," the CDU politician said at a press conference with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

On Monday, the EU Commission also opposed Merz's demand. The Commission's position on the Supply Chain Directive is publicly known, and it's about simplification, said a spokeswoman for the authority in Brussels. "It's not about abolishing it."

It only took a few days for the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor to openly contradict each other in Brussels, said Sven Giegold, the Green Party's deputy party leader and European spokesperson. This was "disenchanting," the politician said. Merz had promised greater unity in the federal government's European policy.

Merz is also facing opposition from members of the European Parliament from his coalition partner. "Abolishing the EU Supply Chain Act is not on the table," said René Repasi, head of the SPD MEP delegation. This does not have a majority in the European Parliament or among the EU member states. They are open to changes that would provide relief for companies.

However, the goal of curbing forced labor, human rights violations, and environmental destruction remains. The implementation of the EU Supply Chain Act is described in the German coalition agreement, Repasi emphasized. His fellow party member and SPD parliamentary group deputy for economic affairs in the Bundestag, Armand Zorn, said: "In my view, abolishing the EU Supply Chain Directive would be the wrong approach."

At the beginning of April, the European Parliament allowed a postponement of the European supply chain law to give companies more time. The first rules are now expected to come into force in 2028.

RND/dpa