Our commitment to the preservation of human rights, the protection against discrimination, and the respect for different cultures and religions is anchored in our corporate principles. Respect for human rights is thus also part of the group’s corporate strategy. Examples of this are the certifications for socially responsible corporate management (Social accountability – SA 8000) in the national companies of Lithuania and Italy. Adherence and the implementation of the measures for assurance are incumbent upon the companies and segments; the responsible contact partner is the Executive Board, the Cluster Manager, or the Managing Director. Established structures, processes and systems are needed to ensure that human rights are fully implemented and observed in developing and emerging markets. Uniform Group-wide minimum standards for observing and respecting human rights have been established.

Therefore, it is our goal in 2020 to implement group-wide uniform minimum standards for the observance and respect of human rights in the Group's Corporate Social Responsibility Guideline.

Since a large part of the value creation takes place in Germany and countries of the European Union (EU), our undertakings are subject to German and European laws and regulations. Therefore, from our point of view, there are no significant risks for business activities within the EU. In order to further expand the knowledge of possible risks in all areas of the company, it is our declared goal to conduct an analysis and identify potential areas of action at an early stage (see Criteria 3).