The European Council amended the scope of the non-financial reporting directive (NFRD), which was proposed by the European Commission, in order to alleviate overburdensome reporting requirements for listed SMEs, and also giving SMEs time to adapt to the new rules. The objective of Commission’s proposal is intended to focus on deficits within the existing rules related to disclosure of non-financial information which the Commission not only believes will prevent a necessary transition to a sustainable economy, but “…was of insufficient quality and comparability to allow it to be properly taken into account by investors.” The Commission will adopt, by delegated act, a definition of sustainability reporting standards, thereby harmonizing sustainability data. The directive will be adopted subsequent technical advice given by certain European agencies and the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG).

More information on NFRD updates is available here.