Brussels, 15/04/2013 (Agence Europe) - This Tuesday 16 April, the European Commission is proposing to change the European accounting directives to require European companies with more than 500 employees to state their environmental and social policies in their annual financial reports.
The European institution firmly believes that increased transparency will not be harmful. Quite the contrary; there are many large groups already improving their image by communicating this kind of information to their clients and suppliers. In order to avoid excessive compliance costs, it plans to leave the companies in question a margin of flexibility on the form presentation of this information will take.
As regards the social aspects, the information to be divulged will include data on observance of the employment rights of employees and human rights throughout the world. Information on anti-corruption and diversity measures will also be required, particularly at board level. (MB/transl.fl)