Brussels, 22/11/2010 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission announced the launch on Monday 22 November of a public consultation to gather stakeholders' views on the non-financial information disclosure policy. Interested parties are encouraged to send their suggestions for initiatives or review of existing legislative measures and remarks by 24 January 2010. The aim is to improve the comparability, reliability, and relevance of information companies disclose, for example, on issues relating to social, environmental and human rights aspects of their activities. There is provision in the fourth company law directive for disclosure of such information to provide a proper understanding of companies' development, performance or position. While member states may choose to exempt small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) from this disclosure obligation, some have, over the years, introduced disclosure requirements that go beyond the fourth company law directive. (F.G./transl.rt)