The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) has become a vital part of the EU’s sustainability agenda, guiding companies to disclose their environmental and social impacts in a structured and comparable way. But the recent Omnibus reform proposal, which aims to simplify and reduce these CSRD reporting requirements, is facing strong opposition.
A survey conducted by WeAreEurope in collaboration with HEC Paris reveals that most European companies reject the Omnibus reform. With over 1,000 participants from 26 countries—many in C-suite roles—the survey reflects how deeply CSRD reporting has become embedded in strategic business practices.
Survey Findings: What Businesses Really Think
1. Widespread Support for CSRD and EU Sustainability Goals
➣ 84% of respondents support the EU’s broader sustainability goals.
➣ 61% are satisfied with the CSRD as it stands.
➣ Support is strongest among larger firms with 5,000+ employees.
This suggests that businesses are not only aligned with the EU’s vision but they see the CSRD as a workable and valuable framework.
2. Clear Rejection of the Omnibus Proposal
➣ Only 25% of surveyed companies support the current Omnibus reform proposal
➣ A majority, 51%, believe it needs major changes
➣ Even among CSRD skeptics, only 39% back the Omnibus changes
Many respondents noted that the proposal was rushed, lacked proper consultation, and would compromise reporting quality and investor trust.
3. CSRD as a Geopolitical Lever and Strategic Asset
One of the most surprising insights: businesses view the CSRD not just as regulation, but as a tool for European sovereignty and competitive advantage. Key benefits include:
➣ Strengthening Europe’s leadership in ESG standards.
➣ Boosting the EU’s global influence on sustainability.
➣ Creating new opportunities in ESG data and tech sectors.
4. Recognized Strengths of the Current CSRD Framework
Survey respondents cited several strengths of the directive:
➣ Improved transparency and comparability in sustainability reporting.
➣ Effective integration of ESG into corporate strategy.
➣ Elevation of non-financial reporting to board-level importance.
➣ Strong support for double materiality and investor relevance.
5. Acknowledged Weaknesses—But Call for Refinement, Not Rollback
Common concerns include:
➣ Lack of technical guidance
➣ Complexity and cost of compliance
➣ Disproportionate challenges for smaller firms
However, most businesses want the CSRD strengthened, not scaled down. Preferred solutions include:
➣ Better sector-specific guidance
➣ Simplified audit requirements
➣ More time for implementation (e.g., 1-year delay preferred over 2)
Crucially, only 37% of companies believe CSRD puts them at a competitive disadvantage – challenging the main argument behind the Omnibus proposal.
Conclusion
The message from EU businesses is loud and clear: they support the CSRD and believe it is a cornerstone of Europe’s sustainable and competitive future. The Omnibus reform risks undermining both business confidence and environmental progress.
As the EU revisits its legislative direction, it must prioritize consultation, clarity, and consistency—not shortcuts.
To support companies on this journey, Ecodrisil ESG Express provides a powerful, end-to-end solution for simplifying CSRD compliance. With automation, clarity, and audit-readiness built in, it transforms ESG reporting from a regulatory burden into a strategic advantage.