The Merger of Corporate Social Responsibility into the EU Common Commercial Policy

Abstract

The present paper explores and critically assesses the incorporation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) into the EU common commercial policy (CCP), as established under the Lisbon Treaty, and its impact on European companies, with specific regard to environmental sustainability. The inquiry builds in particular upon the ‘Resolution on Corporate Social Responsibility in International Trade Agreements’ adopted by the European Parliament on 25 November 2010, and concludes that the prospected EU CCP/CSR policy is extremely rational and progressive, but might fall short of effectiveness within the context of fragmented global law.