About the Business Manifesto
Faithful to the esteemed former European Commission President and founding father of CSR Europe, Jacques Delors, we propose articulating the European project around the fight against social exclusion.
The persistence of poverty and social exclusion are not due to fate. They pose a systemic risk that only a steady political will and the engagement of all players can overcome.
Practically, we propose to make the protection of the most vulnerable a cornerstone of all European policies and decisions, whether it is social issues, access to rights, culture, health, environmental and climate policies, the industrial strategy, skills development, trade agreements or international partnerships.
We need a European Industrial Deal that establishes a stronger business case for a sustainable transformation and collaborative action
As a community of practitioners, we know that sustainability that does not create value has no impact. But value creation that does not occur sustainably has no future. Also, the challenges ahead cannot be solved through regulation alone.
Together, we can build the capacities necessary to transform compliance into a catalyst for meaningful change. Leveraging the power of the private sector to innovate and unlock essential investments stands out as a crucial endeavour. In this spirit, we are proud to share our proposals. They reflect our eagerness to bridge the gap between ambition, norms, and action, demonstrating our commitment to fostering a sustainable future.
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Our 5 Recommendations to European Policymakers
#1
For an Industry Alliance that Fosters Inclusive Prosperity
We propose the creation of an Industry Alliance that builds upon the learnings of CSR Europe’s Business Roadmap, Toolbox and Assessment for Just Transition and the Business Commission to Tackle Inequality (BCTI)’s report “Tackling Inequality”.
Together with the European Commission, we have the power to equip enterprises of all sizes with best practices and tools that foster the creation of shared social value.
#2
Bridge the Gap on Responsible Materials
We propose the creation of European Sector Alliances for due diligence and Local Sustainability Networks to translate the EU’s ambition for responsibly sourced materials into action.
#3
Unlock Sustainable Finance via Meaningful Disclosure
We propose to accelerate the Capital Markets Union (CMU) and explore innovative financing mechanisms to attract fresh resources and talents towards sustainability, such as community-based project, impact bonds, blended funding, platform-based financing, incubators for start-ups, innovation accelerators, and guarantees.
We also believe that heightened disclosure requirements introduced by the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) present an opportunity to drive sustainable development.
#4
Connect the Environment with Human Behaviour
We propose to the European Commission to explore with the industry and the scientific community further avenues to reach transition objectives beyond the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTI) and the Science-based Targets for Nature (SBTFN).
While SBTI and SBTFN support enterprises in their shift towards a low-carbon economy and environmental conservation, the integration of behavioral science offers a new dimension to empower governments and industries in the creation of products and services that not only meet environmental standards but also address social needs, hidden biases, and other barriers. READ MORE
#5
For a European Sustainability Dialogue Forging a Common Desire for Progress
To address the critical and complex challenges of our times, it is imperative that we unite our hopes, talents, and financial resources to build a secure, green and democratic future. As much as the European Social Dialogue is playing a significant role in shaping EU’s social policy, we propose the creation of a European Sustainability Dialogue aimed at enhancing the responsiveness of the EU’s governance to the evolving needs of both industry and civil society. READ MORE
In line with this endeavor, CSR Europe joined the 1000 companies, organizations, associations, and unions that endorsed the Antwerp Declaration for a European Industrial Deal, to complement the Green Deal and keep high-quality jobs for workers in Europe.
What comes Next?
CSR Europe is establishing Europe’s first Chief Sustainability Officers (CSO) Network to bridge the gap between the industry’s experience and policymaking. Read more