MEDIATE Workshop: the role of intermediaries in times of due diligence uncertainty
09.12.2025
On 3 December 2025, experts from voluntary sustainability standards (VSS), multi-stakeholder initiatives and civil society came together to exchange views on how they navigate an increasingly unpredictable due diligence landscape.
Recent reversals, legislative delays and conflicting political signals have left companies and professionals uncertain about the direction of sustainability and due diligence regulation in the EU. Against this backdrop, intermediaries play a crucial role in translating expectations, reducing uncertainty and maintaining continuity, as was emphasised during the workshop.
Voluntary sustainability standards as stabilisers
The first panel examined how VSSs – including the Rainforest Alliance, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil and the Global Organic Textile Standard – have adapted to and anticipated changes in due diligence expectations. In recent years, many VSSs have tightened their criteria, revised audit processes and invested heavily in guidance and capacity building for certified entities. These changes are permanent, the panellists emphasised, even if political momentum shifts.
However, companies are increasingly faced with confusion and hesitation. As noted during the panel, uncertainty – rather than stricter rules – is the main challenge for many companies, which continue to rely on VSSs for clarity and stability.
Civil society organisations are repositioning themselves in a changing landscape
The second panel focused on the role of trade unions and NGOs. Participants from IndustriAll, CNV International and Oxfam Belgium explained how civil society organisations have long supported risk detection, employee engagement and advocacy, and how they are now adapting their strategies in response to regulatory simplification. Rather than taking a step back, civil society organisations are regrouping, strengthening partnerships and countering disinformation, while continuing to insist on transparency, accountability and stakeholder participation.
Five key functions of intermediaries
Five crucial functions of intermediaries emerged in both panels:
- Translating expectations into practical guidelines
- Stabilisation in times of inconsistent policy signals
- Acting as a safety net for deregulation
- Advocacy rooted in long-term social and environmental missions
- Strengthening ties and partnerships to support businesses and communities
Outlook
Despite political uncertainty, the need for responsible business conduct remains unchanged. As emphasised in the workshop's closing reflections, intermediaries will continue to apply the principles of due diligence and ensure that workers, communities and the environment remain protected, regardless of regulatory fluctuations.
A full analytical reflection on the insights from the workshop can be found in this blog post, which is also available on our Publications page.