Corporate social responsibility on EU agenda

The EU conference on corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Brussels on 27-28 November was a first-of-its kind dialogue. It drew almost a thousand delegates from trades unions, NGOs, the socially responsible investment (SRI) community, consultants and companies active in CSR.

Since the launch of the CSR Europe business network in 1995, CSR activity across Europe has expanded significantly, with business networks in most EU Member States. The EU clearly recognizes the potential contribution of CSR to economic and social policy in the region, and published a Green Paper on the subject in July. A significant element of discussion at the conference and throughout the consultation process centred on whether the EU should set standards and a measurement system for CSR. The corporate sector is keen to maintain the existing voluntary approach, which allows for diverse approaches to meet the needs of different businesses and has been the engine of CSR growth to date.

Consultation on the Green Paper closed on 31 December, with over 250 responses received. A further communication is expected early in the summer. For companies to help deliver the goal set by the Lisbon Heads of State Summit in March 2000 for Europe in 2010 – ‘to become the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion’ – government action should maintain the current flexible framework for CSR and focus primarily on measures that will encourage companies across Europe to expand their CSR strategies.

Celia Moore is Manager Corporate Community Relations, IBM Europe, Middle East, Africa. She can be contacted at celia_moore@uk.ibm.com 

For more information about CSR Europe, contact Catelinje Wessels at cw@csreurope.org