EU expected to release simplified sustainability reporting law in February 2025

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🗞️ Driving the news: The European Commission plans to streamline three major sustainability regulations—the EU Taxonomy, Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)—into a single framework
• This "Omnibus Simplification Package," expected in February 2025, aims to ease the regulatory burden on businesses but raises concerns about potential dilution of climate action goals
• The move reflects growing political pressure following the European Parliament elections, which saw gains for business-focused conservative parties

🔭 The context: The EU's sustainability laws form a cornerstone of its climate strategy under the European Green Deal, designed to meet the Paris Agreement's Net Zero 2050 target
• These laws establish green activity classifications (EU Taxonomy), mandate environmental and social reporting (CSRD), and enforce supply chain accountability (CSDDD)
• However, businesses and some political leaders argue that these directives are overly complex and costly, particularly for SMEs

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Streamlining regulations may reduce compliance costs, but activists fear it could weaken critical frameworks that drive corporate accountability and climate action
• A rollback of these rules could slow progress toward EU climate targets and undermine global efforts to combat climate change

⏭️ What's next: The February 2025 release of the omnibus package will initiate a legislative process that could reopen debates over the intent and scope of the original regulations
• Stakeholders anticipate intense negotiations between business-friendly and climate-focused interests as the package moves through EU institutions

💬 One quote: “We will look at the triangle Taxonomy, CSRD, CSDDD,” — Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

📈 One stat: Reporting under the CSRD begins in 2025 for large companies, while smaller firms and high-emission sectors will follow with phased requirements

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