Changes in Corporate Governance due to EU Regulations on ESG Reporting

The main objective of the survey is to analyse and assess the impact of EU regulations regarding sustainability reporting by non-financial companies (CSRD, ESRS, EU Taxonomy) on corporate governance (CG). Based on the analyses conducted, it was determined that as a result of changes in European Union (EU) legislation, the focus of CG has shifted towards sustainability. The CSRD, the ESRS and the EU Taxonomy have laid the foundation for a sustainable corporate governance (SCG) framework based on transparency, responsibility, accountability, fairness, ethics and risk management. As a result of the legal regulations introduced, the role of corporate bodies, shareholders, investors and stakeholders has also changed. The corporate bodies are expected to maximise stakeholder wealth, and the goals they are supposed to pursue are not only business goals, but also social and environmental goals. There has also been a shift in the management perspective, with an emphasis on long-termism. Managers’ remuneration policies are likely to include components related to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a result of changes in EU law, the role of shareholders, investors and stakeholders is also changing. Shareholders are expected to be more active in ensuring that companies achieve the SDGs. Shareholders and investors are also required to refrain from pursuing short-term goals. Financial investors’ expectations of companies are also changing. They expect companies to operate in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. The role of stakeholders is also changing. The importance of employees, society and social dialogue is growing.