EU Finance Podcast: Episode 13 - The one about sustainability reporting

The speaker introduces the EU Finance podcast and discusses the importance of investing in a responsible manner for the future, especially with a focus on the state of the planet and sustainability.

Overview of the CSRD introduced by the EU at the beginning of the year, which strengthens rules on social and environmental information reporting by companies, emphasizing the importance of sustainability reporting.

Discusses the changes from the Non-Financial Reporting Directive to the CSRD, including the requirement for companies to report sustainability information, subjecting reported information to standards, and the impact on various stakeholders in financial markets.

Explains the significance of sustainability reporting for the investment community and financial markets to better understand the sustainability impacts of companies, ensure transparency, and manage risks related to climate and financial stability.

Examines how sustainability reporting benefits investors interested in socially and environmentally conscious investments and citizens concerned about the environment and ESG matters, emphasizing the provision of essential information for making informed investment decisions.

Details the expansion of companies subject to reporting requirements under the CSRD, including listed SMEs and non-EU companies with significant operations in the EU, and the implications for transparency and sustainability reporting.

Discusses challenges faced by SMEs in meeting reporting demands, the trickle-down effect of reporting standards, and the development of voluntary standards by FSAG to assist smaller companies in reporting sustainability information.

Explains the timeline for the implementation of reporting requirements under the CSRD, detailing when companies will start reporting sustainability information and the phased approach for different categories of companies, including non-EU entities and listed SMEs.

Summary of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive's role in guiding companies toward sustainability, providing essential information for investors, combating greenwashing, and promoting sustainable investments for a greener financial future.