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Governments and public institutions

Governments EU Due Diligence Navigator
Governments and public institutions
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What the Navigator offers

The Navigator supports governments and public institutions in finding initiatives to better understand and respond to evolving EU due diligence expectations. It centralises support measures funded by the European Commission, EU Member States, as well as international organisations, designed to strengthen policy frameworks, foster responsible business conduct, and promote fair competition across global supply chains.

What support can you find using the Navigator?

  • Clear information on the roles and responsibilities of governments, public institutions and businesses in human rights and environmental due diligence (HREDD).
  • Country- and sector-specific research highlighting key challenges and opportunities related to HREDD implementation.
  • Knowledge exchange platforms with policymakers, public officials, and other stakeholders active in the policy sphere.
  • Practical training and capacity-building programmes on how to implement HREDD effectively within public institutions and on how to promote HREDD in the national context.

If you cannot find what you’re looking for in our database, our team of experts is ready to advise you and refer you to suitable support.

Why this matters: impacts and opportunities of EU sustainability legislation

New EU legislation such as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) brings significant changes to national regulatory landscapes in the EU Member States. These developments offer opportunities to advance human rights and environmental protection while also presenting new challenges. The Navigator helps you better understand and respond to these evolving expectations. 

Opportunities for governments and public institutions

  • Improved access to EU markets

    Supporting local businesses in meeting HREDD standards can enhance their competitiveness and create new trade opportunities in EU and global markets.

  • Strengthened governance and an improved standard of living

    Legislation such as the CSDDD can serve as a catalyst for reforms in labour rights, environmental protection, access to justice, remedy and anti-corruption, ultimately improving living standards.

  • Enhanced support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

    EU legislation can promote decent and safer working conditions, thereby strengthening SME resilience and integration into global value chains.

  • Improved investment climate

    Alignment with international human rights and environmental standards can boost investor confidence, attracting both domestic and foreign investment.

Key challenges

  • Legal harmonisation: aligning national legislation with international HREDD standards may involve complex legal and regulatory reforms.
  • Resource constraints: institutions may encounter financial, human or technical capacity challenges to support local actors, such as businesses, in adapting to new expectations. 
  • Sector-specific vulnerabilities: higher-impact sectors such as textiles, mining, and agriculture may require tailored oversight and support.
  • Potential trade risks: exporters may face temporary disadvantages if competitors adapt more rapidly to new standards.

The role of governments and public institutions in due diligence processes

Government bodies and related institutions play a key role in creating fair and sustainable conditions for HREDD by supporting policies that promote transparency and accountability in global value chains. You help lay the foundation for responsible business conduct.

Depending on your mandate your institution may contribute through: 

  1. 1
    Policy development

    Introducing or reinforcing laws, policies and regulations that align national frameworks with international HREDD standards.

  2. 2
    Regulatory enforcement

    Strengthening institutional capacity to enforce labour and environmental regulations through effective compliance monitoring and implementation and ensuring access to remedy. 

  3. 3
    Stakeholder dialogue

    Promoting collaboration among companies, communities, and public authorities to support responsible business conduct.

  4. 4
    Responsible state practices

    Integrating human rights and environmental clauses into public procurement and state contracts.

For whom is this important?

As the CSDDD and related EU legislation on sustainability and responsible business conduct evolve, governments and public institutions in partner countries need to remain informed about emerging expectations. The Navigator provides access to available initiatives and support measures to better navigate these expectations. Our dedicated advisory team can provide tailored services to:

  • Ministries and national institutions
  • Local governments
  • Policymakers
  • Customs authorities
  • Ombudspersons and their offices
  • Public procurement officials
  • National Human Rights Institutions

Examples of support in the Navigator

Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI)

EITI is a global initiative promoting open and accountable management of oil, gas, and mineral resources. It encourages disclosure of payments, contracts, licenses, and government revenues across the extractive value chain.