(Thread!) @EU_Finance has published the proposal to reform legislation on companies’ sustainability reporting. These changes are key to achieve objectives set in #GreenDeal & the #sustainablefinance agenda. #CSRD
NGOs joint reaction: bit.ly/3xfARpO
Highlights⬇️
➕Positive changes
- Scope: all large companies (private&listed)
- EU mandatory sustainability reporting standards (general§or-specific)
- Clarification reporting areas, categories info & double materiality principle
- Report on transition plans in line w/ #ParisAgreement
❗️Gaps:
- Exclusion private SMEs, delay standards listed SMEs & exemption large companies part of corp.groups
- No specification essential aspects #humanrights & #supplychains reporting
- Target setting to be connected w/ double materiality & include info actions/results
The research implemented by @EUCorpReporting has shown the gaps in companies’ #ESG reporting (results studies bit.ly/2CPk18l). Investors, banks & stakeholders require meaningful & comparable data + companies need clarity & specification of what is expected from them
The EU Parliament and Council will negotiate the final #CSRD text in the upcoming months. As NGOs specialised in corporate transparency & responsibility, we call on policymakers to ensure the key gaps are addressed 🔎bit.ly/3xfARpO
What do the experts working on corporate sustainability say about the new proposal published by @EU_Finance today? Follow the thread or read our joint statement bit.ly/3xfARpO
@Frank_Bold's Filip Gregor refers to the multiple reasons why this reform is so important⚠️
Stephanie Rochford @PWYPtweets welcomes development of mandatory sector-specific standards to ensure key information is published on impacts to people & planet by companies in industries such as the mining sector🌍🫂 bit.ly/3xfARpO
Read @PDurandOfficiel interview in @EURACTIVbit.ly/3dGdcY3
✅More companies incl. in scope⚠️but concern on the exemption of large companies part of larger groups
✅EU #sustainability standards⚠️but more clarity needed in legislation to guide development of standards
@Global_Witness calls for all companies to disclose according to #CSRD & EU sustainability standards. Transparency is important but more action is needed on accountability (keep an eye on @EU_JUSTICE work on corporate due diligence)
ℹ️ bit.ly/3xfARpO
Anna Grabowska @transenv welcomes alignment with #taxonomy but questions the delay for listed SMEs
🕥Why is this problematic? Read NGOs public reaction here: bit.ly/3xfARpO
EU Commissioner @dreynders outlines @EU_Justice plans on #SustCorpGov:
1.Directors' obligation to identify #sustainability risks & opportunities, and to integrate these in the corporate strategy.
2) Directors would need to set science-based and measurable sustainability targets (incl trajectory, or transition plan to reach targets) #SBT
3) Directors need to ensure such strategy is implemented with the necessary risk assessments, and due diligence procedures.
@EU_Justice@dreynders is clear in his message: "We have to take complementary action to improve not only corporate reporting, but also the corporate governance framework"
"We are facing a sustainability crisis of an unprecedented scale .. and the challenge of ensuring a sustainable recovery from the CoViD-19 crisis. In these circumstances, we should do all utmost to ensure that all companies can contribute to this broader sustainable recovery."
.@larawoltersEU "Banks and investors are requiring more information on companies' due diligence and non-financial reporting. This can lead to cheaper loans"
.@larawoltersEU at @AccountancyEU event: SMEs should be covered by #humanrights and #environmental due diligence legislation under proportionality principle and using a #risk based approach; guidelines should be produced & if possible supporting funds could be considered