The European CSO Network: Driving Sustainability and Competitiveness in Workstream II
This year, the European CSO Network has been at the forefront of the dialogue on aligning EU sustainability regulations with business competitiveness. Building on the momentum from the first half of the year and the release of our paper, "Better Regulation for Stronger Implementation" , our focus for the second half of the year is clear: to ensure a pragmatic and workable sustainability framework that fosters long-term growth for European businesses.
The European CSO Network recently published a paper that provides actionable recommendations to the European Commission on key sustainability regulations. We have advocated for a fundamental shift toward a more streamlined and incentive-based policy model. Our work has centered on several key areas, among others:
Simplification: We called for a swift reduction in ESRS data points and additional phase-in options for less mature areas to ease the burden of compliance.
Guidance and Interoperability: We have pushed for clearer guidance on materiality and value chains , while also emphasizing the importance of alignment with international standards like ISSB.
Implementation Support: Our recommendations include investing in EU-wide audit training and technical support hubs to help businesses navigate the new regulations at scale.
The CSO Network's principles and recommendations have been well-received by key players within the European Commission, Parliament, and Council. Building on the request from Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera to "align rules, incentives, and real-life practice" , we will continue to provide targeted input to EU policymakers.
Upcoming Webinar Announcement: Revised ESRS Standards and Peer group meeting
As part of this continued effort, we are pleased to announce that CSR Europe will co-host a public online webinar on the revised ESRS standards. This event will offer a valuable opportunity for structured dialogue and is dedicated to all preparers.
Members of the European CSO Network will have the chance to join on September 10 to engage and provide meaningful feedback to EFRAG on the amended ESRS Exposure Drafts.
Moreover as already planned, members of the European CSO Network will convene online together again on September 25 for a peer group meeting and in person during the European Sustainable Industry Summit on October 23.
Should you want to know more about this important initiative feel free to reach out to mm@csreurope.org.
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