European campaigners strive for corporate justice

World in Progress | 02.12.2009 | 17:30

European campaigners strive for corporate justice

Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift: Luxembourg-based ArcelorMittal is among European companies facing allegations of violations outside the EU

Amid the ever-growing number of grievances related to questionable corporate practices, corporate social responsibility or CSR is taking on increasing significance worldwide.

There are many definitions of the term, but it broadly describes the manner in which companies manage business practices to create a generally positive impact on society at large.

The European Coalition for Corporate Justice (ECCJ) brings together national platforms of civil society organizations including NGOs, trade unions and academic institutions promoting corporate accountability from across Europe. The Brussels-based ECCJ believes that owing to the global reach of European companies, it is crucial to make them legally accountable for their operations outside the European Union.

Deutsche Welle asked the ECCJ’s Paul de Clerck what progress had been made on this front since the turn of the century when CSR began emerging as a major issue in the EU.

Interview: Ranjitha Balasubramanyam/Paul de Clerck