New requirements on ESG reporting in Europe

Research Paper (undergraduate) from the year 2024 in the subject Business economics - Accounting and Taxes, grade: 1,3, University of Applied Sciences Essen (BWL II), course: Value Based Controlling and International Accouting, language: English, abstract: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations are increasingly crucial in the corporate world, driven by stakeholder demands for transparency and accountability. Europe is leading this shift with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which mandates comprehensive ESG disclosures. This directive marks a transition from voluntary initiatives to mandatory compliance, requiring companies to integrate sustainability into their core strategies and operations. This study explores the current status of ESG reporting requirements in Europe and their potential impact on corporate reporting. Using a mixed-method approach, the research combines qualitative and quantitative analysis of official documents, academic studies, and industry reports. The evolution of ESG reporting in Europe began with Directive 2013/34/EU, which mandated non-financial disclosures but had limited success. The CSRD, introduced by Directive (EU) 2022/2464, significantly expands the scope of companies required to report, aiming for nearly 75% of EU companies to comply. This expansion aligns with the European Green Deal’s vision of making Europe the first climate-neutral continent. The CSRD mandates sustainability information in official company reports or online, ensuring transparency and accountability through 'Double Materiality'. The CSRD impacts both internal and external reporting. Internally, companies must enhance data collection and analysis, involving management and supervisory bodies in sustainability issues. This requirement extends to the entire value chain, increasing administrative burdens and costs. Externally, transparent ESG reporting can enhance stakeholder trust, attract investments, and improve reputation, though non-compliance risks reputational damage and financial penalties. Despite challenges, effective ESG reporting under the CSRD offers significant benefits, including improved stakeholder relations, access to capital, and opportunities for innovation and growth. The directive’s alignment with international standards like the IFRS Sustainability standards ensures consistent and credible reporting.