European CSO Network Meeting (Members Only) 

Context

At CSR Europe, fostering collaboration among practitioners is key to driving high sustainability impact. Through the European CSO Network, we have pioneered an incubator for learning and knowledge-sharing, while empowering sustainability leaders to enhance their strategic influence and engage directly with EU policymakers, with the ultimate goal of co-building a sustainable and competitive Europe.

Following ongoing discussions with several European Commission Directorates General (DGs), EFRAG and the European Parliament, the European CSO Network has established itself as a key channel for fostering dialogue with policymakers. By providing actionable recommendations, the network aims to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the regulation, ensuring it is aligned with real business needs while placing sustainability as a driver of competitive advantage. To achieve this, CSO Network activities are organized into two workstreams:

1. Learning on better regulation and implementation

2. Linking sustainability and competitiveness 

Exactly one year after its launch at the 2024 European Sustainable Industry Summit, the European CSO Network reaches a major milestone at this edition: the release of its Discussion Paper on Better Regulation and Implementation. This publication, a result of Peer Group from Workstream 1, illustrates CSOs’ perspectives on proposed changes to EU sustainability regulation through Omnibus. It also outlines pathways for creating an enabling regulatory environment for businesses and initiates discussions on linking sustainability with competitiveness, setting the stage for Peer Group from Workstream 2. 

Who should attend

• CSO or equivalent only

objective of roundtable

This meeting represents the pinnacle of the European CSO Network's Workstream 1 – Learning on Better Regulation & Implementation, with the publication of the Discussion Paper. Supplemented by interviews with CSOs, it focuses on strengthening regulatory frameworks and their practical implementation within the EU to unlock the business value of sustainability. Additionally, this session marks the first opportunity for the CSO Network Peer Group from Workstream 2 to share insights on EU policies and incentives that can help companies create value and seize new market opportunities. The focus will be on developing a Menu of Solutions for policymakers to advance the EU's competitiveness and sustainability agenda.

The second part of the roundtable will bring CSOs together for a peer-to-peer exchange on how sustainability is integrated across functions and leadership within their organizations, and to share insights on the challenges and benefits of achieving genuine alignment.