.jpg)
As part of its strategy to implement the European Green Deal and the Action Plan on Financing Sustainable Growth, the European Commission presented its proposal for a Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).
This paper specifically addresses the parts of the proposal that relate to corporate governance and directors’ obligations, as well as to the responsibilities of the financial sector. It intends to complement the analyses of non governmental and expert organisations on the due diligence aspects.
1. Directors’ obligations as part of due diligence
2. Directors’ obligations with regard to climate change
3. Alignment of incentives to sustainability objectives
4. Responsibilities of the financial sector
In the explanatory memorandum of the draft CSDDD, the EU Commission recalls that one of the five specific objectives of the directive is “(1) improving corporate governance practices to better integrate risk management and mitigation processes of human rights and environmental risks and impacts, including those stemming from value chains, into corporate strategies”. However, the proposal initially referred to as 'Sustainable Corporate Governance' has been presented with only a few elements to foster integration of sustainability and long-term thinking in corporate governance rules. It is important that corporate governance keeps pace with sustainable finance and the demands of stakeholders and investors, which themselves have supported the call on clarifying directors’ obligations.
Briefing supported by:
The "LIFE-Legal Actions - Right to Clean Air" (LIFE15 GIE/DE/795) project ended in November 2019. The Layman's Report, written for a general audience, summarizes the work and results of the project as well as its long-term environmental Benefits.
Are you interested in participating in a project with global impact? Are you tempted to use your expertise and presentation skills to promote systemic changes at EU level for the protection of the environment, climate and human rights? Do you want to deal with partners and policy makers in Brussels and strategically develop an international platform working together to strengthen corporate responsibility?
The collaboration between the Purpose of the Corporation Project led by Frank Bold and the Modern Corporation Project run by Jeroen Veldman and Hugh Willmott from Cass Business School has won the 2019 International Impactful Collaboration Award.
