CSR at EU level
EU Institutions
With the publication of its Green Paper "Promoting a European framework for Corporate Social Responsibility" in 2001, the European Commission initiated a Europe-wide debate on CSR. The Green Paper was followed by two further communications in 2002 and 2006. Other European Institutions as well as many stakeholders, including EuroCommerce, contributed actively to the debates.
EU Multi-Stakeholder Forum
Between 2002 and 2004 the European Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility brought together European organisations of employers, business networks, trade unions and NGOs to promote innovation, convergence, and transparency in existing CSR practices and tools. EuroCommerce played an active part in the deliberations.
The Final Report which was presented in June 2004, contained common principles and values and reflected the common understanding of CSR. Furthermore, the report made nine recommendations for the future approach regarding CSR.
Since then, review meetings take place every two years. In addition, the Commissioners for Enterprise and Industry and for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities invite business leaders to regular high-level meetings, in order to take stock of progress in the field of CSR.
European Alliance for CSR
The European Commission has regularly highlighted that it favours a voluntary approach regarding CSR. At the same time, it has called on business to make a strong commitment and come up with tangible results. In its communication of 2006, the Commission expressed its support for the foundation of a European Alliance for CSR. The Alliance is an open network for European enterprises. Currently, more than 230 companies and organisations, amongst them EuroCommerce, back the Alliance.
