Private
sector
What’s the issue?
The EU sees the private sector as a key actor in contributing to sustainable development. While some businesses do create decent jobs, engage in sustainable production, provide access to clean energy and IT solutions, or adhere to fair trade principles, the contribution of the private sector is not always positive.
We’ve all heard chilling stories of human rights violations, including land grabs, extra-judicial killings and unlawful detentions.
Forced labour, child labour, crackdowns on social protests and other violations of labour rights, including exploitation of women, are also common.
In such cases, there is little to no access to justice for the majority of victims. When corruption and a lack of accountability go unchallenged, tax avoidance, corporate lobbying against regulations, including environmental protections, and pollution and waste are just “business as usual”.
Change we want to see
alternative models
Priority for mission-driven and micro, small and medium enterprises.
PEOPLE & PLANET
Businesses respect human rights and the environment.
public services for all
Public delivery of essential services is guaranteed.
corporate tax paid
Companies pay their fair share of tax in the country of operation.

What we want the EU to do
The EU approach has mainly focused on encouraging voluntary private sector initiatives.
For private investments and economic development to contribute effectively to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, governments must take action and impose legal obligations on business to protect individuals, countries and the planet from abuse and exploitation.
The role of the private sector in development
Latest news
Open letter to EU leaders: Our sustainable future must start now
CONCORD co-signed an open Letter addressed to EU leaders from 150+ civil society organisations demanding sustainable development be honed as EU’s top priority for the next five years.
Report: on the role of private sector
With the help of Coordination Sud, our report on the role of the private sector in development is now available in French: “Une feuille de route en 10 points pour l’Europe. Le rôle du secteur privé dans le développement”.
Is private investment in developing country agriculture a good thing?
The EU must ensure small farmers are protected against multinational agribusiness when encouraging private investment in agriculture.
Latest news
No Results Found
There is no campaigns available at the moment
No Results Found
There is no eu processes available at the moment
No Results Found
There is no projects available at the moment
Get in touch with us
Want to get engaged? Need more information? Contact our policy expert!