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EU Under Fire for Streamlining Discussions on Corporate Sustainability Reporting
Trade unions and civil society organizations claim that Brussels’ roundtable is prioritizing business interests in its attempts to lessen regulatory constraints.
The European Commission wrapped up a two-day roundtable discussion on regulatory simplification intended to enhance the global competitiveness of European firms, a move that has faced backlash from trade unions and environmental organizations.
Hosted in Brussels by Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovkis, the discussions centered on achieving a 25% decrease in reporting obligations and included proposals to reassess key directives related to corporate sustainability and due diligence.
Civil society organizations, such as the European Trade Union Confederation, have raised significant concerns that these measures could weaken existing regulations.
Deputy General Secretary Isabelle Schömann characterized the discussions as heavily biased in favor of trade associations and large corporations, warning that revisiting directives might significantly alter various obligations, including thresholds, reporting requirements, and civil liability.
In a news briefing, the Commission affirmed that its proposals would not change the fundamental goals of the existing regulatory framework.
This initiative is part of a larger strategy that encompasses an upcoming omnibus package set to be presented on February 26, along with additional proposals prior to the summer, as well as a Clean Industrial Deal aimed at fostering economic growth while upholding environmental standards.
Maria van der Heide, head of EU policy at ShareAction, warned that the simplification initiative could jeopardize the integrity of the European Green Deal, and a coalition of civil society groups has formally called on the Commission to ensure that its process remains transparent, evidence-based, and fully adherent to EU law.
Hosted in Brussels by Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovkis, the discussions centered on achieving a 25% decrease in reporting obligations and included proposals to reassess key directives related to corporate sustainability and due diligence.
Civil society organizations, such as the European Trade Union Confederation, have raised significant concerns that these measures could weaken existing regulations.
Deputy General Secretary Isabelle Schömann characterized the discussions as heavily biased in favor of trade associations and large corporations, warning that revisiting directives might significantly alter various obligations, including thresholds, reporting requirements, and civil liability.
In a news briefing, the Commission affirmed that its proposals would not change the fundamental goals of the existing regulatory framework.
This initiative is part of a larger strategy that encompasses an upcoming omnibus package set to be presented on February 26, along with additional proposals prior to the summer, as well as a Clean Industrial Deal aimed at fostering economic growth while upholding environmental standards.
Maria van der Heide, head of EU policy at ShareAction, warned that the simplification initiative could jeopardize the integrity of the European Green Deal, and a coalition of civil society groups has formally called on the Commission to ensure that its process remains transparent, evidence-based, and fully adherent to EU law.
