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Navigating Uncertainty in Sustainability Assurance: Challenges of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive in Romania and Austria

Author

Listed:
  • Julia Baldauf

    (Universit t Innsbruck, Austria)

  • Cristina Circa

    (West University of Timisoara, Romania)

  • Alin-Constantin Dumitrescu

    (West University of Timisoara, Romania)

  • Sabine Graschitz

    (Johannes Kepler Universit t Linz, Austria)

Abstract

The implementation of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which requires assurance on sustainability reports for numerous companies, has reached different implementation stages throughout the EU. This study investigated the key uncertainties and challenges arising from the new assurance obligations, focusing on auditors in Romania and Austria. We explored auditors' perceptions of legal uncertainties, the integration of financial and sustainability reporting, and the need for additional resources and competencies, by means of a questionnaire-based survey. The results indicated that auditors that had already provided sustainability assurance were better informed about CSRD implementation, with significant differences in their perception of specific matters. Country-specific variations were identified, to a small extent. Legal uncertainties and the need for technical expertise were highlighted as major challenges. The study provides valuable insights into the current state of sustainability assurance in the context of the CSRD, and contributes to the literature by including perspectives from both Big4 and Non-Big4 audit firms.

Suggested Citation

  • Julia Baldauf & Cristina Circa & Alin-Constantin Dumitrescu & Sabine Graschitz, 2025. "Navigating Uncertainty in Sustainability Assurance: Challenges of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive in Romania and Austria," The AMFITEATRU ECONOMIC journal, Academy of Economic Studies - Bucharest, Romania, vol. 27(70), pages 849-849, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:aes:amfeco:v:27:y:2025:i:70:p:849
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • M42 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Auditing
    • M48 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Government Policy and Regulation
    • C83 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Survey Methods; Sampling Methods
    • O52 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Europe

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