Compliance and due diligence in global value chains: the emergence of a EU sustainability framework in global regulation

The introductory chapter explores the evolution of sustainability due diligence in global value chains, focussing on the transition from voluntary Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to legally binding obligations under emerging EU regulations. It examines how global supply chain governance is reshaped by mandatory sustainability frameworks, balancing economic, environmental, and social imperatives. Key themes include the role of chain leaders in enforcing sustainability standards, the impact of regulatory shifts on contractual and liability structures, the interaction between public and private governance mechanisms, and the enforcement measures. The chapter examines the implications of the new legal framework for corporate responsibility, supply chain management, and legal enforcement across jurisdictions. By integrating legal, economic, and policy perspectives, it raises the main research questions addressed in this book and illustrates its content throughout each section and chapter