Brussels, 22/03/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 22 March, the European Commission approved a communication on implementing the partnership for growth and jobs: making Europe a pole of excellence on corporate social responsibility (CSR). Through Commissioners Günter Verheugen (Industry) and Vladimir Spidla (Social Affairs), it also backed the launch of the European Alliance for Corporate Social Responsibility by representatives of European businesses and their organisations. This Alliance is open to every European company, large or small, which shares the aim of making Europe a “pole of excellence in CSR” to support a competitive and sustainable market and enterprise economy. Through the Alliance, the Commission wants to promote the take-up of CSR among European companies and increase support and recognition for CSR as a contribution to sustainable development and the Growth and Jobs Strategy. To achieve this, the Commission believes that a new political approach is necessary, involving giving recognition to companies as the primary players in CSR, stressed the Commission's spokespersons service. This initiative is part of a wide consultation of stakeholders within the EU Multi-Stakeholder Forum on CSR, whose final report was submitted in 2004 (see EUROPE 8738). The Commission also intends to organise further periodic meetings of this Forum in 2006 to allow continuous monitoring of progress made in CSR with all stakeholders.
The importance of this Alliance, Mr Verheugen told press, was that it put an end to the controversy over whether CSR needed a legal framework or if it could simply be voluntary on the part of companies. He went on, “The Commission has opted for a voluntary approach”, and would follow a partnership model. He stated that CSR was a philosophy, a concept, and the best that could be gained was a voluntary commitment on the part of companies. The debate on the results of CSR would continue with representatives from the world of economics and the unions, added Mr Verheugen, stressing the importance of firmly anchoring the concept of CSR in the new Member States. The Vice-President off the Commission also noted that, thanks to this Alliance access will be possible to the great number of SMEs that are not covered by CSR, when it is well known that it is just such companies which demonstrate social responsibility most clearly. Commissioners Verheugen and Spidla said they were certain that this initiative would make a positive contribution to the EU growth and jobs strategy. There was a direct link between the success of a company and social responsibility. Modern capitalism had to impose limits to maintain social harmony, said Mr Verheugen.
As a fervent supporter of CSR, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of German car manufacturer VW Bernd Pischetsrieder feels it essential to think about consumers. “European companies are faced with different challenges in a highly competitive business environment. The regulatory environment has also to be taken into account. Companies have to play their role wholeheartedly. This initiative is in the interests of European citizens,” he said. Ramon Ollé, CEO of Epson highlighted the fact that “CSR will maintain the culture of the company” and he identified three priority CSR areas: education, dialogue on the ethics related to technology and environmental innovation. Philippe de Buck, Secretary General of Unice, and his counterpart Hans-Werner Mueller of UEAPME also gave their full support. Etienne Davignon, President of CSR Europe said that with this initiative, CSR had become part of the EU jobs policy, and he thanked the Commission for recognising the “global significance of CSR”.