PROMOTING THE BUSINESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS CONCEPT IN THE POLICIES AND PRACTICES OF THE EUROPEAN UNION’S EXTERNAL RELATIONS

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of current trends related to the concept of business and human rights in the European Union's approaches to cooperation with external partners and its activities in the international arena. The article considers research by both foreign and domestic authors that addresses relevant topics and notes the EU's influence, particularly, on the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The aim of the article was to clarify the EU's position on promoting the business and human rights concept in its external relations policies and practices. The authors found that the EU has demonstrated long-standing consistency and commitment to promoting the concept of business and human rights, both internationally, namely within United Nations initiatives, and among Member States and partner countries. In particular, this applies to EU policies that are developed and adopted by institutions such as the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. The respective position is reflected in the EU's constant involvement in the process of developing an international legally binding instrument on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights under the auspices of the UN. The authors also note the importance of including human rights provisions in EU international trade agreements. The article highlights that the implementation of the concept of business and human rights in EU law and the processes of adapting the legislation of candidate countries are also significant areas that reflect the EU's priorities on this issue. Overall, given the study of the EU position, the authors emphasize the need for comprehensive implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights into Ukraine's legal system, especially in the context of ongoing preparations for possible EU integration.