EU Omnibus regulations: Cutting through the noise – what businesses should focus on now

The EU Omnibus Package has been making headlines, with plenty of speculation about what it might mean for sustainability regulations. Depending on who you listen to, it’s either a much-needed clean-up of existing rules or a sign that the EU is softening its stance on corporate sustainability requirements.

For businesses, this uncertainty naturally raises questions. Should you pause your due diligence efforts until there’s more clarity? Should you change your approach? Or should you just carry on as planned?

But here’s the reality: as of today, no final decisions have been made. There are only discussions and proposals.

At Kumi, our advice is simple: stay calm, stay engaged, and don’t lose sight of the bigger picture.

There’s a lot of noise, but no decisions – yet

The EU Omnibus Package is being positioned as a regulatory simplification exercise—a way to refine and align frameworks such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), and the EU Taxonomy.

In theory, this should reduce complexity for businesses. But at this stage, exact details are still to be revealed.

What we do know:

• There is no official decision yet – Everything being discussed now concerning the EU Omnibus package is still at the proposal stage. Any changes will need to be formally agreed and communicated by the EU Commission.
• Any impact on the EU Batteries Regulation (EUBR) is not known – While some voices asked for the inclusion of the EUBR into the Omnibus, the EUBR continues on its own timeline and remains unchanged for now – though some delays may be likely given the ongoing developments.
• Speculation doesn’t help decision-making – Companies should avoid making knee-jerk changes based on incomplete information.

Societal expectations aren’t changing anytime soon

It is important to remember that even if regulatory due diligence and reporting requirements shift, the underlying issues behind the creation of these regulations – concerns about human rights, environmental protection, and societal expectations of corporate responsibility – aren’t going away.

We are in a time of significant public and investor awareness about the impact of business on global supply chains. People expect companies to be accountable for their social and environmental footprint and they are increasingly scrutinising corporate claims.

Here’s why that matters:

• Modern slavery, worker welfare, deforestation, and climate risk won’t be forgotten – Whether a reporting requirement changes or not, the reputational and operational risks of inaction on these issues remains high for business.
• Pressure for responsible business practices existed long before these regulations – NGOs, investors, and consumers have been pushing for greater accountability and transparency for years before current EU regulations were tabled. That pressure will continue, regardless of how the Omnibus package plays out.
• Legislation aside, responsible business is simply good business – Companies that act early on due diligence don’t just avoid regulatory risks – they also build resilience, attract investment, and strengthen relationships with suppliers, customers and workers.

The international consensus on responsible business conduct remains firm

While specific regulations may evolve, the global standards for responsible business conduct are already well-established. The OECD Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct – which underpin many of the EU’s regulations – were developed through negotiation between businesses, governments, and civil society. These guidelines build on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, setting a clear international framework that transcends any one piece of legislation. They are not going anywhere.

Following international best practices is the safest approach – businesses that align with OECD and UN principles today will be compliant with emerging regulations tomorrow, wherever they operate.

What should businesses do now in response to uncertainty around the Omnibus package?

The EU Omnibus Package may bring some reporting simplifications and alignment of required systems and processes, but it won’t change the fact that businesses are expected to take responsibility for their own impacts and that of their supply chain. Companies should use this time wisely by:

• Staying calm, but engaged – Follow developments, but don’t make reactionary changes until official decisions are made.
• Focusing on substance, not just compliance – A strong due diligence framework protects businesses from regulatory shifts, reputational risks, and operational disruptions.
• Keeping aligned with international standards – The OECD Guidelines and UN Guiding Principles remain the safest foundation for corporate due diligence, regardless of what happens with EU regulations.

By following these points, you can be sure to be moving in the right direction and adjust to any changes in a timely and effective manner.

If your company wants to build a robust, future-proof approach to due diligence, let’s talk.