CSR Europe has been at the forefront of sustainability leadership for over three decades.
The network pioneered the creation of the first CSR Director roles within European businesses
and contributed to laying the groundwork for the European Union to broaden its sustainability framework, mainstreaming sustainability practices previously driven by voluntary efforts.

the challenge

Today, the role of sustainability leaders within companies has become even more crucial. They are essential to future-proofing businesses, ensuring they remain competitive in light of new expectations, while simultaneously contributing to a sustainable and inclusive Europe.

miSSION OF THE NETWORK

The European CSO Network is an incubator for learning and collaboration between enterprises and key stakeholders. This initiative aligns with President Von der Leyen's political guidelines, released on 18 July 2024, for the new European Commission 2024-2029, which include making business easier, unlocking the Financing needed for the Green, Digital, and Social Transition.

The Network serves as the sole European platform for dialogue between CSOs and EU policymakers, aiming to:

Address the consequences of EU sustainability policies and regulations in governance and transparency, management, due diligence, and production. Additionally, it leverages these policies to foster business innovation and value creation. This aligns perfectly with President Von der Leyen’s guidelines, which urge the new European Commissioners to hold regular dialogues with businesses and stakeholders to best align implementation with on-the-ground realities.
Tackle the systemic risk of inequalities, consolidating the business case for a Just Transition. This includes a focus on employees, SMEs, communities, households, and regional economies where businesses operate.
Act as a Forum for CSOs to discuss their role, challenges, and strategies for better engagement with their teams and other company divisions.

Who can join the Network?

Participation is open to the CSO or equivalent role who has received a mandate from the Board/CEO to develop the company's sustainability strategy.

CSOs or their equivalents from CSR Europe corporate members can join the European CSO Network as part of their CSR Europe membership.
CSOs or their equivalents from member companies of CSR Europe’s National Partner Organisations, or other companies, can become associate members for a specific fee. For more information on the fees, please contact Jan Noterdaeme or Stefan Crets.

activities

The European CSO Network Kick-Off Meeting was held on June 25th during the European Sustainable Industry Summit 2024.

In Q4 2024, members of the European CSO Network will adopt its Action Plan 2025-2026, defining the scope, reach, and impact of its initiatives.

To this end, current CSO Network members and CSOs/equivalents of interested companies are invited to register for the next online meeting on September 19th from 15:00-16:30.

On the 5th of December 2024, members of the European CSO Network will be invited to the first in-person meeting with the new European Commission on EU Implementation and Simplification in Brussels.

At this point in time, the draft plan of activities includes: 2x peer-to-peer CSO virtual meetings/year; 1x in-person annual meeting between CSOs and EU policy leaders; 1x Thought Leadership Paper at the end of each year, starting from 2025 onwards.

Contact us

Jan Noterdaeme, jn@csreurope.org

LEGAL NOTICE

The European CSO Network © 2024 by CSR Europe - The European Business Network for Corporate Social Responsibility is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International.