Foreseeing Corporate Social Responsibility as a likely contributor to the strategic goal decided in Lisbon to become “the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and a greater social cohesion”, the Commission issued a first document: the Green Paper on CSR.

This document gave an overview of what Corporate Social Responsibility is, presenting its internal and external aspects. It refers to international standards and initiatives and to the multiplicity of codes of conduct adopted by enterprises.

The Commission then opened a consultation process, asking for contributions from civil society on the role enterprises, the EU and stakeholders could/ should endorse in the process.

NGOs’ position on the green paper:

• CSR should not be voluntary: a regulatory framework is needed and expected
• Reference to international standards and texts is necessary
• EU institutions should take the lead in CSR, by raising public awareness on the nature and importance of corporate responsibility, supporting the development of knowledge and capacities, and asking for a mandatory requirement for all companies to state their policies on social, human and environmental rights. Read more.