Cases of severe human rights violations by these companies occur often, such as violations of labor rights (Nike), privacy rights (Yahoo), pollution (Shell), health rights (Bayer) and so on. Still, although there is more awareness of these violations, no effective solution has been found. The EU, an economic power that promotes the values of human rights, has also tried to regulate its companies. However, success is rather limited and violations continue. This paper examines the EU's role as a player that promotes human rights, the rule of law and democracy, in stopping these violations by its own companies operating in third countries.