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Announced as part of the Competitiveness Compass for the EU published 29 January, the European Commission has just published its proposals to simplify sustainability reporting, including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive.

In a step toward streamlined sustainability reporting, the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG), in collaboration with Directorate-General for Environment (DG ENV) and Directorate-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union (DG FISMA), has identified key synergies between the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union, marking a major advancement in promoting sustainable business practices across Europe.

In a significant development for corporate responsibility, the Council of the European Union approved the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive on the 24th of May 2024, marking the culmination of its adoption process. This directive mandates large corporations to address the adverse impacts of their activities on human rights and the environment, backed by stringent penalties for any failure to comply. Significantly, this holistic framework does not just target the primary companies but also ensures that accountability is fostered through their subsidiaries and business associates across the entire value chain.

On 14 May 2024, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) issued its Final Report on Guidelines for funds' names, following its Public Statement on the matter released on 14 December 2023. These guidelines, applicable to various types of investment fund managers (IFMs), aim to clarify when the use of ESG or sustainability-related terms in fund names could be considered misleading. The Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) emphasizes that the Guidelines apply to IFMs overseeing UCITS or AIFs, regardless of their disclosure category under Articles 6, 8, or 9 of the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR). Therefore, IFMs are required to conduct a self-assessment to determine the relevance of the Guidelines to the products they manage and to ensure that fund names comply with these Guidelines.

Amidst the global challenges posed by climate change, financial institutions and regulatory bodies are progressively acknowledging the significance of incorporating sustainability principles into their operations. Considering this mounting necessity, the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) in Luxembourg has recently revised its supervisory focus on sustainable finance. This move underscores the CSSF’s dedication to fostering a financial sector that is both environmentally conscious and socially responsible. It builds upon their earlier communication of priorities in April 2023

As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, financial institutions and regulatory bodies increasingly recognise the importance of integrating sustainability into their operations. In response to this growing need, Luxembourg's Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) has recently outlined its supervisory priorities in sustainable finance, demonstrating its commitment to shaping a more environmentally and socially responsible financial sector.

From reporting periods starting 2024 onwards, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) will require all large companies to report on sustainability policy and performance.