The Commission’s proposal seeks to reshape EU Sustainability requirements by amending CSRD, CSDDD, EU Taxonomy, and CBAM.
By José María Alonso, Paul A. Davies, Fabrice Fages, Michael D. Green, Nicola Higgs, David Little, Cesare Milani, Axel Schiemann, James Bee, and Toon Dictus
On 26 February 2025, the European Commission (Commission) published its much-anticipated first Omnibus Package. This first Omnibus package regarding sustainability contains a set of legislative proposals designed to
The Call for Evidence is one of a number of measures the EU is taking as it aims to strengthen the reliability of ESG ratings.
By Paul A. Davies, Sarah E. Fortt, Betty M. Huber, Michael D. Green, and James Bee
On 4 April 2022, the European Commission (Commission) published a call for evidence (Call for Evidence) to solicit responses to inform the Commission on the dynamics of the ESG ratings market in Europe, including on the use and objectives of ESG ratings and the interplay between larger and smaller market players.
Given the growing interest in ESG issues from investors in recent years, ESG ratings and similar products have become increasingly popular as an independent and easy-to-use data point for investors to compare companies’ ESG credentials. However, this popularity has led to concern from some market participants and regulators as to the currently unregulated nature of the ESG rating provider market. This unregulated nature has in turn led to concerns regarding the consistency and quality of ESG ratings, as well as the ability to compare ESG ratings from different providers who often use materially different methodologies.
The consultation seeks to establish a strategic framework aimed at ensuring high standards of protection for workers.
By Paul A. Davies and Michael D. Green
On 7 December 2020, the European Commission (EC or the Commission) launched a public consultation (the Consultation) on the new EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work for 2021-2027 (the Framework). The Consultation follows a Roadmap adopted by the EC in October 2020 and builds on the feedback received following the Roadmap’s consultation and regarding occupational safety and health (OSH) factors.
The sustainable finance classification system entered into force on 12 July 2020, providing a framework for other green initiatives.
By Paul A. Davies and Michael D. Green
On 12 July 2020, the EU’s regulation on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment (the Taxonomy Regulation) entered into force, after several years of planning and deliberation. The EU Commission (the Commission) initially proposed an action plan on financing sustainable growth in March 2018. Action 1 of the plan called for the establishment of an EU classification system for sustainable activities (the Taxonomy). Subsequently, in May 2018, the Commission proposed the Taxonomy Regulation, as reported on in a previous blog post.
Landmark ruling requires the European Commission to disclose impact assessments used as a basis for its legislative decision-making process.
By Antonio Morales and Rosa Espín
The Grand Chamber of the Court of Justice of the European Union recently issued a landmark judgment finding that impact assessments should be considered public documents. This decision sets a legal precedent in connection with the transparency, accountability, and decision-making processes of European institutions.
Case Background
A non-profit organization active in the field of environment protection had sought to access two impact assessment reports, which had played an influential role in the proposals of certain environmental laws.
By Paul Davies
The launch of the Ecodesign Working Plan 2016-2019, covering the eco-design and energy labelling framework last month is another key milestone in the Commission’s plan to transition the EU to a more circular economy.
Key points to note from the Working Plan include:
By Paul Davies and Michael Green
A new pensions directive was passed by the European Parliament on 24 November securing 512 votes (only 77 votes against and 40 abstentions), requiring EU workplace pension funds to consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. This is considered a ‘landmark’ moment for responsible investment.
The new pensions directive stipulates that:
By Paul Davies and Alice Gunn
Unwrapping the New Circular Economy Package
The European Commission is driving the transition to a stronger and more circular economy by ensuring resources are used in a more sustainable way. On 2 December 2015, the Commission adopted a new Circular Economy Package which, according to the Commission, will help European businesses and consumers adopt more sustainable practices.
In December 2014, the Commission withdrew proposals for waste reductions targets on the grounds that the approach