The European CSO Network Shapes the Implementation of EU Sustainability Regulations

 
  • From the CSRD and ESRS to the CS3D, and the Sustainability Claims Directive, Chief sustainability Officers from CSR Europe corporate members and non-members are invited to join the network to work with the EU Commission in defining credible and effective implementation plans for a competitive EU industry.

  • On 5th December, stakeholders will convene at DG-GROW’s headquarters in Brussels.

 
 
 

As the European Union prepares to enforce an avalanche of sustainability regulations in 2025, the European Chief Sustainability Officers (CSO) Network stands as a lighthouse for dialogue between industry sustainability leaders and the European Commission. The initiative seeks not only to co-shape effective implementation plans for the EU sustainability legislation but also to leverage stricter sustainability criteria as a means to bolster the long-term competitiveness of the European industry. Thereby, the CSO network aligns perfectly with President Von der Leyen’s political guidelines 2024-2029, which urge the new European Commissioners to hold regular dialogues with business and stakeholders to best align implementation with on-the-ground realities.

"The involvement of CSOs and their equivalents in contributing to the implementation of policies such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), and the Green Claims Directive, is crucial to ensuring that these regulations are workable for businesses to implement," said Jan Noterdaeme, Co-Founder and Senior Advisor of CSR Europe, which leads the initiative. "Our goal is to foster a space where sustainability leaders can share insights with their peers and advocate for industry needs before EU decision-makers".

CSO Network kick-off meeting at the CSR Europe Sustainable Industry Summit 2024, on 25 June 2024, in Brussels

The CSO Network Action Plan 2025

On 5th December, representatives from the European Commission will convene with the European CSO Network at DG-GROW’s headquarters in Brussels to discuss the credible delivery of EU sustainability regulations. The meeting will focus on the current measures and expectations of policymakers regarding the network, alongside an update on the implementation of EU regulations by businesses and the associated challenges they are facing. A key outcome expected from the meeting is the adoption of the CSO Network Action Plan for 2025, which will outline the network’s scope, reach, and impact.

Who’s engaging in the CSO Network?

Notable participants that took part to the CSO Network meetings in June and September are: ABB, Airbus SE, Amdocs, Antea Cement, Autostrade, Arteche, ASD Europe, BAE Systems, BASF, BNP Paribas Fors, Bridgestone, Coca-Cola Europe, Czechoslovak Group, ENEL, EPSON, GasNet, Greenomy, Gruppo Unipol, Here, HELLENiQ ENERGY Holdings S.A., Hoegh Autoliners, Honda, Iberdrola, IBM, Iveco Group, LAMDA Development S.A., Leonardo SPA, Lindt, LKQ Corporaon, Montea, Olgerdin, Pirelli, PPC Renewables, SES, Shell Internaonal, Société Générale, Solvay SA, Syensqo, TenCate Grass, Titan Cement Group, TotalEnergies, Toyota Industries Europe, and Toyota Motor Europe.

How to join the CSO Network?

The CSO Network welcomes Chief Sustainability Officers - or equivalent roles - of multinational companies that are both CSR Europe corporate members and non-members, who will become “Associated Members”.

CSR Europe corporate members can join the European CSO Network as part of their CSR Europe membership. Non-member companies will be subjected to a bespoke fee, while a reduced fee is available for multinational companies that are members of CSR Europe’s National Partner Organisations (NPOs). To express interest in joining the network or to learn more about its activities, please contact Jan Noterdaeme.

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