Making EU Sustainability Regulations Work for Competitiveness
In 2025, CSR Europe's "EU Policy Dialogue" pillar aims to support businesses and sustainability practitioners in shaping impactful policies in collaboration with EU policymakers.
Key highlights of the year include, amongst others, the European CSO Network and the European Sustainable Industry Summit.
In 2025, CSR Europe's "EU Policy Dialogue" pillar encompasses a variety of initiatives aimed at fostering meaningful discussions between businesses and policymakers on how to harness sustainability to enhance industrial competitiveness, particularly in the face of heightened competition and the challenges of meeting existing requirements and targets.
With the following activities, the CSR Europe network of corporate members, associated members, and National Partner Organisations are contributing to driving real impact and the transformation of entire ecosystems:
Annual Public Affairs and CSO Meeting (members only)
The European CSO Network (corporate and associated members only)
The Impactful EU Regulations Series (NPO only)
The European Sustainable Industry Summit (open)
PUBLIC AFFAIRS & CSOs MEETING
(members only)
On March 4, CSR Europe members and associated members are invited to the Annual Public Affairs and CSO Meeting in Brussels to kick off the dialogue with European policymakers.
Corporate members, NPOs, and Associated Members will play a key role in shaping CSR Europe’s position as a vital partner for the new EU institutions.
Building on the European CSO Network’s first Discussion Paper and the outcomes of the December meeting with the European Commission, the event will lay the groundwork for developing and prioritising practical solutions to:
Make EU sustainability regulations and their implementation more workable in light of the upcoming Omnibus simplification package.
Effectively link sustainability and competitiveness, in alignment with European policies on clean industry, circularity, trade, taxation, and public procurement.
THE EUROPEAN CSO NETWORK
(CORPORATE MEMBERS & ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ONLY)
After its launch in 2024, the European CSO Network will focus on advancing a more balanced, proportionate, and pragmatic approach to sustainability policies for enhanced competitiveness.
To this end, CSR Europe will facilitate the activities of the network in two workstreams:
WS1 on "Better Regulation and Implementation", will focus on enhancing regulatory frameworks and their practical application within the EU.
WS2 on "Sustainability and Competitiveness", will advocate for EU policies and incentives that help companies create value and seize new market opportunities. This stream will prioritise developing a practical Menu of Solutions for the European Commission.
Chief Sustainability Officers interested in joining the Network, can contact Jan Noterdaeme for more information.
Impactful EU Regulations Series
(NPO ONLY)
Representatives of CSR Europe’s National Partner Organisations are invited to participate in the “Impactful EU Regulations” series to address critical challenges and opportunities arising from the implementation of key European sustainability directives: the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), and the Empowering Consumers Directive.
As these measures reshape the landscape of corporate sustainability and responsibility, this series of meetings seeks to empower national sustainability networks by facilitating the exchange of insights, best practices, and strategies for effective implementation. The series also explores the priorities of the upcoming Polish and Danish presidencies of the European Council and their impact on the EU's sustainability agenda.
By providing a structured environment for dialogue and mutual learning, the series aims to:
Facilitate the exchange of experiences, challenges, and solutions related to CSRD, CSDDD, and the Green Claims Directive implementation.
Build capacity among NPOs to support businesses in aligning with these regulations.
Foster a unified voice for advocacy, ensuring that National approaches inform European policymaking and implementation.
THE EUROPEAN SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRY SUMMIT 2025: Building Sustainable and Competitive Markets
Save the date! On 24-25 June 2025 CSR Europe members, businesses, civil society organisations, and European policymakers are invited to join the European Sustainability Industry Summit - Building Sustainable and Competitive Markets.
The event promises to bring together over 200 C-level sustainability leaders from industry, European institutions, and civil society to develop market-driven solutions that promote sustainable performance and bolster Europe’s competitiveness on the global stage.
For more information:
