Supporting Companies in Applying the European Sustainability Reporting Standards

The European Commission is hosting a one-day seminar titled 'Supporting companies in applying the European sustainability reporting standards (ESRS)' on 15 November 2024. The seminar will gather experts and practitioners from various sectors to discuss the challenges and opportunities for companies applying the ESRS.

The event will build on the Commission’s expert dialogue held on 16 May 2024, focusing on practical support for implementing the new framework, including digital tools for reporting. Discussions will also cover audit and assurance of ESRS reports and voluntary reporting by SMEs in larger companies' value chains.

The ESRS applies to companies under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) starting from the financial year 2024, with the first reports expected in 2025. Support initiatives aim to reduce costs and burdens for companies and benefit SMEs facing increased demand for sustainability information.

The event will be held at the Albert Borschette Conference Centre in Brussels, Belgium, and will be available for online attendance. Keynote speakers include John Berrigan and Nathalie Dogniez, with various sessions covering experiences in applying ESRS, audit and assurance, digital tools, and SME reporting.