In recent years, the European Commission has “done a lot” to promote corporate social responsibility (CSR) through a “smart mix” of voluntary or mandatory measures.
This is indicated in a Commission working document, published on 20 March, on the progress made in this area since the publication of the 2011 communication on a new 2011-2014 CSR strategy.
CSR refers to the voluntary integration by companies of social and environmental concerns into their business activities and their relationships with stakeholders.
The document also measures progress against the similar concept of Responsible Business Conduct (OECD) and the UN concept of Business and Human Rights.
The working document reflects the results of this exercise on several fronts: - acting to respect and protect human rights (access to remedies for victims of violations); - encouraging companies to exercise due diligence (protection of human rights along the supply chain); - increasing transparency and promoting sustainable financing; - encouraging socially and environmentally sound business practices, including through public procurement; - promoting the implementation of CSR.
The Commissioner Elżbieta Bieńkowska notes that “more than 200 EU measures and initiatives have been implemented”. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)