Event Roundup: ISEAL Sustainability Policy Forum Brussels
On 1 October, Marieke van der Mijn, ASI Director of Partnerships, participated in an event organised by the ISEAL Alliance that brought together policymakers, regulators and sustainability experts to explore the future of the sustainability agenda in Europe and beyond, and the role of credible sustainability schemes. Various EU policymakers reflected on how the reopening […]
9 October 2025
Various EU policymakers reflected on how the reopening of EU laws through the Omnibus proposals brings uncertainty as to whether this represents a permanent step back or a ‘bump in the road’. In either case, the focus for most stakeholders is clearly on simplification and harmonisation, and ensuring that rules are fit for purpose.
A speaker from the OECD called for a more evidence-based and data-driven sustainability agenda, which focuses on salient issues and international frameworks. He noted that the minerals and metals sector has had ‘a smart mix’ for a while, particularly in attempts to address conflict minerals issues.
A session on Human Rights due diligence noted that it is designed to be a flexible process, but as it becomes mandatory it tends to become more rigid alongside a rules-based approach. This complicates the ‘simplification’ agenda, as it requires investigating all of the proposed exceptions in the Omnibus in detail.
Voluntary standards systems (VSS) like ASI can work to create a ‘smart mix’ of practical solutions and sector-specific detail alongside regulation (“it takes two to tango” was frequently mentioned). There is a level of complexity in these issues in practice, and VSS create a space where like-minded people come together to figure this out. VSS also help policymakers with guidelines how to improve sustainability for the whole sector. For companies, this actually supports profitability by making businesses more resilient.
Looking ahead, participants expressed hope for sustainability regulations to become less punitive and instead, shift towards creating incentives and an enabling environment for innovation and competitiveness.
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