Voluntary Reporting Standard for SMEs Launched | Eversheds Sutherland

shot of glass buildings from the groundshot of glass buildings from the ground

EU: Voluntary Reporting Standard for SMEs Launched

05. August 2025

WeltweitÖsterreichBelgienBulgariaTschechische RepublikEstlandFinnlandFrankreichDeutschlandUngarnIrlandItalienLettlandLitauenLuxemburgNiederlandePolenPortugalSlowakeiSpanienSchweden
WeltweitÖsterreichBelgienBulgariaTschechische RepublikEstlandFinnlandFrankreichDeutschlandUngarnIrlandItalienLettlandLitauenLuxemburgNiederlandePolenPortugalSlowakeiSpanienSchweden
Weltweit
On July 30, 2025, the European Commission recommended a new Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for SMEs that are out of scope of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).  

The initiative is designed to help SMEs remain competitive within supply chains and improve access to green finance, without imposing the full compliance burden associated with more complex reporting frameworks. 

Developed by the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG), the standard provides a simplified framework to help SMEs meet growing demand for ESG data – particularly from larger companies and financial institutions subject to the CSRD. The recommendation is part of the broader Omnibus I simplification package and serves as a transitional measure to address market demands until a formal delegated act is adopted.

Although the new sustainability reporting standard is voluntary, SMEs that choose not to engage may face challenges in maintaining relationships with larger corporate partners, who require increasingly clear and consistent ESG data to meet their own regulatory obligations under frameworks like the CSRD. 
The simplified standards offer a clearer structure for integrating sustainability data across supply chains, improving consistency and reducing reporting friction.
To prepare, businesses should:
  • evaluate their current ESG data capabilities and identify gaps
  • consider adopting the basic module of the voluntary reporting standard
  • communicate with key partners about their ESG data needs
     
Der Inhalt der Website dient ausschließlich allgemeinen Informationszwecken und kann die rechtliche Beratung im Einzelfall nicht ersetzen. Obwohl die Website mit angemessener Sorgfalt ausgearbeitet wurde, spiegeln die Inhalte möglicherweise nicht die aktuellen rechtlichen Entwicklungen wider. Daher übernimmt Eversheds Sutherland keine Haftung für die Richtigkeit und Aktualität der Informationen. Den vollständigen Haftungsausschuss finden Sie in unseren „Geschäftsbedingungen“ oder in „Rechtliche Hinweise“ in der Fußzeile.

Guides and Reports

Navigating EU Law

Thema

Ansprechpartner

christianmense@eversheds-sutherland.com

Dr. Christian Mense

Partner

München, Deutschland

catherinedetalle@eversheds-sutherland.com

Catherine Detalle

Partner

Paris, France

sarahturner@eversheds-sutherland.com

Sarah E. Turner

Legal Director

Leeds, Vereinigtes Königreich

hollysuthren@eversheds-sutherland.com

Holly Suthren

Legal Director

London, Vereinigtes Königreich

Publikationen

News

Events und Trainings

Building Image

legal updates

08. Oktober 2026

The Commercial Payments Bill: Practical Implications for Commercial Contrac...

ma-report-2026-part5

guides and reports

07. Oktober 2026

How data, AI and digital regulation are reshaping M&A risk

ma-2026-report-intro

guides and reports

07. Oktober 2026

Technology, AI and the changing legal landscape of M&A

ma-report-2026-part1

guides and reports

07. Oktober 2026

How AI is democratizing M&A for buyers and investors

© Eversheds Sutherland 2026. All rights reserved. Eversheds Sutherland is a provider of legal and other services operating through various separate and distinct legal entities. For further information about these entities and Eversheds Sutherlands' structure please see the Legal Notice page of this website.

Eversheds Sutherland is the name and brand under which the members of Eversheds Sutherland Limited (Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP and Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP) and their respective controlled, managed and affiliated firms and the members of Eversheds Sutherland (Europe) Limited (each an "Eversheds Sutherland Entity" and together the "Eversheds Sutherland Entities") provide legal or other services to clients around the world. Eversheds Sutherland Entities are constituted and regulated in accordance with relevant local regulatory and legal requirements and operate in accordance with their locally registered names. The use of the name Eversheds Sutherland, is for description purposes only and does not imply that the Eversheds Sutherland Entities are in a partnership or are part of a global LLP. The responsibility for the provision of services to the client is defined in the terms of engagement between the instructed firm and the client. For further information about these Eversheds Sutherland Entities and Eversheds Sutherlands’ structure please see the Legal Notices page of this website.