The EU Parliament approved new rules on corporate due diligence that reduce the number of companies required to report on social and environmental harm. Only companies with over 1,000 employees and €450 million turnover must now report, while only those with more than 5,000 employees and €1.5 billion turnover must do due diligence, starting in 2029. This cuts coverage significantly and removes rules forcing firms to outline transition plans for sustainability. The vote passed with 428 in favor, 218 against. Swedish MEP Jörgen Warborn said this was "an important first step" to simplify rules and help businesses. He added, "Backed by a broad majority, today’s vote delivers historic cost reductions while keeping Europe’s sustainability goals on track." However, green groups called the changes a "betrayal" of communities harmed by corporate abuse. Nele Meyer from the European Coalition for Corporate Justice said "It is deeply alarming to witness how foreign pressure shaped a file that should have been driven by evidence and by the needs of those facing the impacts on the ground." WWF’s Mariana Ferreira criticized the conservative bloc for ignoring science-based warnings. Critics also point to lobbying by US oil firms and influence from countries like Qatar. The European Commission said these cuts would boost EU competitiveness, but watchdogs have faulted the process for poor handling. Transparency International accused MEP Warborn of conflict of interest due to his lobby group ties; he rejected this as politically motivated. The changes mark a significant shift in EU attempts to enforce stronger corporate accountability.