SolarPower Europe Statement on the European Commission’s proposed Forced Labour Ban

As a sector currently dependent on non-EU supplies, the solar industry is a highly conscious about the importance of responsible supply chains. Further to this, we welcome President von der Leyen’s State of the Union pledge to introduce a European Critical Raw Materials Act, underpinned by a new European Sovereignty Fund. This new Act should support the diversification and development of responsible solar supply chains, ensuring European competitiveness within a global market.
SolarPower Europe is deeply aligned with the European Commission’s goal to tackle the issue of forced labour. Reflecting our February 2021 statement, SolarPower Europe continues to unequivocally condemn forced labour, and any abuse of human rights. Following the European Commission’s publication of an EU market ban on forced labour products, we will take time to analyse the proposals before promptly sharing our detailed feedback with the European Commission.
The solar sector is unwavering in its commitment to reinforce responsible, transparent, and sustainable supply chains. SolarPower Europe co-ordinates a dedicated workstream of industry representatives to address sustainability issues. As a sector leader, SolarPower Europe published the Solar Sustainability Best Practices Benchmark, with a bespoke chapter setting out real-world case studies that champion sustainable solar supply chains. Many SolarPower Europe members have already implemented existing environmental and human rights due diligence processes, as well as Environmental, Sustainable, and Governance (ESG) certification options.*
SolarPower Europe, in partnership with Solar Energy UK, have been developing a solar-specific supply chain sustainability assurance programme since early 2021. This initiative puts into action the solar sector’s strong belief that industry-driven requirements can bring about real change. Based on internationally recognised standards and guidelines**, the initiative seeks to ensure that solar products entering the European value chain align with responsible ESG practices. We will communicate in more detail on this initiative in Autumn 2022.
Current legislative proposals, including the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), outline the potential for recognition of industry-led ESG assurance programmes – such as the one under development by SolarPower Europe and Solar Energy UK. As the CSDDD and Forced Labour ban legislative proposals evolve, the sector will continue to work closely with the European Commission and other relevant stakeholders in our common goal of ensuring high ESG performance across the solar sector.