Business
The European Commission has published a report on national policies promoting Corporate Social Responsibility across the European Union
July 2011
In the aftermath of the recent economic and financial crisis, Corporate Social Responsibility is more pertinent than ever to drive European companies towards smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Social and environmental commitments of undertakings are deemed necessary to restore confidence between citizens and economic actors. Beyond companies, national governments and the whole society must have a proactive approach towards the promotion of CSR principles, as social and green society and economy are shared objectives.
 | This report provides an update of national practices and policies on Corporate Social Responsibility among Member States. Indeed, the European legal landscape is characterized by a great diversity of national frameworks regulating CSR principles, for example regarding Responsible Supply Chain Management. More and more companies disclose information on their environmental, social and governance performances (at international level, specific reports are estimated to amount to 4000 every year). Nevertheless, companies disclosing information still represent a weak share among companies worldwide. Yet, in the framework of Corporate Social Responsibility, stronger contributions of companies in the fight against climate change and socially responsible investments can yield better competitiveness. |
CEC responds to the European Commission's Green Paper on Corporate Governance
July 2011
On 5 April 2011, the European Commission has launched a public consultation on the revision of the EU corporate governance framework, aiming at increasing the effectiveness of the current rules for European companies. (Please check the European Commission website for further information: http://europa.eu:rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/11/218&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en)
Indeed, the economic and financial crisis showed that supervision was not as effective as it should have been, and the application of the corporate governance code was unsatisfactory.
The Green Paper identifies the most relevant issues to good corporate governance in the EU and focuses on three chapters: board of directors, shareholders and enforcement and monitoring of national corporate governance codes.
Results of the public consultation on disclosure of non-financial information by companies
April 2011
DG Internal Market and Services of the European Commission has published its summary report of the responses received to the public consultation on disclosure of non-financial information by European companies. This public consultation was the first step in the reform process of the EU Strategy on Corporate Social Responsibility.
In the context of the economic crisis, the EU committed to promote Corporate Social Responsibility as a key element ensuring sustainabulity and competitiveness. Thus CSR principles are part of the EU 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Addressing societal challenges that enterprises are facing can help to shape the future model of European social market economy.
Ten Ideas to stimulate creativity and innovation
June 2009
It is not always easy to be an innovative manager because we often don't know all the existing tools. CEC European Managers would like to provide a practical tool for innovation management and suggests ten ideas to be implemented by managers in their own companies.
These ideas are resulting from the conference held on 4 June 2009 at the European Parliament in Brussels on the topic "The Role of Social Partners to Stimulate Creativity and Innovation".