DIGITALEUROPE’s reaction to the first Omnibus on sustainability reporting and due diligence

The European Commission has unveiled a package of proposals to cut red tape, boost competitiveness, and unlock more investment. The first ‘Omnibus’ packages bring together key reforms in areas like sustainability reporting, due diligence, the EU Taxonomy, and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. 

Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl, Director-General of DIGITALEUROPE, said: 

‘We’re pleased to see the Commission’s Omnibus package take steps to simplify sustainability reporting and due diligence. Businesses across Europe are fully committed to ambitious sustainability goals, but they need a regulatory environment that reduces unnecessary paperwork whilst ensuring that requirements remain clear, feasible and proportionate. 

Currently, for example, a manufacturer in the scope of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Taxonomy Regulation may have to conduct overlapping assessments and collect potentially hundreds of data points. Cutting red tape will allow European companies to channel resources into breakthrough technologies – such as AI-driven energy efficiency solutions, next-generation battery recycling and advanced semiconductor manufacturing – rather than being caught in a compliance maze.

It’s great to see efforts to make the rules clearer and more consistent across EU countries, giving businesses enough time to adapt. Now, this extra time should be used to push for even better harmonisation and ensure companies have the legal clarity they need to plan ahead.’’ 

We stand ready to support this process with input from Europe’s digital industry to ensure that simplification efforts truly deliver for businesses. Clear, consistent, and future-proof rules are key to driving investment, innovation, and sustainable growth in Europe.