In 2023, the Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) remained at the forefront of advocating for fairer, more sustainable trade policies that protect workers, smallholder farmers, and the environment. From the long-awaited adoption of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) to the enforcement of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), the FTAO played a crucial role in shaping key European regulations. While the final agreements often reflected compromises, they marked important progress toward more responsible global supply chains. Throughout the year, FTAO actively engaged in policy discussions, consultations, and coalition-building efforts to ensure that the needs and rights of smallholders and workers were not overlooked in these legislative developments.
Looking ahead, the FTAO remains committed to monitoring and influencing the implementation of these new policies, pushing for strong enforcement mechanisms and accompanying measures that support the most vulnerable stakeholders. The upcoming EU legislative cycle (2024–2029) presents new opportunities to advocate for fair trade principles, including strengthening competition law to foster sustainability initiatives, addressing unfair trading practices in the textile sector, and ensuring the effective implementation of the Forced Labour Regulation. As we continue to navigate these challenges, FTAO will work alongside partners and policymakers to build a trade system that prioritises fairness, sustainability, and human rights at its core.
This report provides an overview of the Fair Trade Advocacy Office's activities in 2023, highlighting its EU advocacy priorities and financial performance.