On October 25 the European Commission released its new vision on CSR. The communication clearly shows a different attitude towards CSR: now the Commission acknowledges a role for public authorities in regulating business activity 'where necessary' while before this was not considered needed. Also for the first time, the need to protect human rights of citizens in developing countries is part of the CSR vision. Moreover, the vision stresses the importance of implementing the UN principles for business and human rights (developed by Prof. Ruggie).

While the Communication remains rather abstract, the announcement of EU wide regulation on CSR reporting is one of the few concrete measures. Nevertheless, the document arouses expectations of a more active EU approach of promoting CSR and dealing with irresponsible behaviour.

Read ECCJ's reaction on the EU Communication here.