Prof. Dr Julia Hartmann, Chair of Sustainability Management at EBS University, took part in the #FaireLieferketten (Fair Supply Chains) dialogue series organised by the Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (short: BMAS) (Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs) in Essen on 11 December 2025. The series, organised by the BMAS as the lead agency, is a central forum for exchange between politics, business, civil society and academia on the practical implementation of the EU Supply Chain Directive (CSDDD) in Germany.

Scientific findings for practical application

The event focused on the core topic of ‘Measuring the effectiveness of corporate due diligence’ – a methodologically complex and, at the same time, crucial aspect of the new European regulation.

As an invited expert, Prof. Hartmann contributed the scientific perspective to the discussion. In a central panel discussion, she discussed how science measures sustainability in the value chain and what the key relevant findings are for practical application.

“The new laws not only require due diligence, but also demonstrable effectiveness. This is where science is called upon to provide practical methods so that companies and auditing bodies alike have clarity about how to measure success,” said Prof. Hartmann.

EBS at the political pulse of the times

The event took place at the highest political level, with the participation of State Secretary Lilian Tschan and State Secretary Thomas Steffen, as well as Dr Nils Behrndt from the European Commission. The involvement of Prof. Hartmann ensures that the BMAS's national implementation plans for the CSDDD are based on sound research and academic expertise.

Image ©: BMAS / Kolja Matzke