CSR News of 03/31/2025: CSRD, Greenwashing and ESG Regulations

1. Brussels postpones the calendar of European sustainability rules

On 3 April, the European Parliament voted for a two-year freeze on certain sustainability reporting requirements, in response to concerns about the administrative burden on businesses.
This suspension concerns in particular European standards (ESRS) intended for unlisted companies and is part of the regulatory simplification initiative called “Omnibus”, supported by the European Commission.
Lawmakers say they want to maintain the goals of the Green Deal, while allowing more time for businesses to prepare for the new extra-financial transparency obligations.

Source: Reuters – EU Parliament votes to freeze sustainability rules

2. 165 million euros partnership for renewable energies in Europe

The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the German bank NORTH/LB announced, on April 1, 2025, a partnership of €165 million to finance renewable energy projects across Europe.
This funding will target photovoltaic, onshore wind and battery storage projects, thus contributing to the EU's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Representatives of both institutions emphasized that this initiative will strengthen European energy independence and stimulate growth in the cleantech sector.

Source: ESG News – NORD/LB and the EIB launch a 165 million euro partnership to accelerate renewable energy projects in Europe

3. Towards a tougher regulation of anti-environmental advertising?

In a report commissioned by Matignon, the authors suggest banning ads that promote environmentally harmful behaviors — such as those encouraging SUV use, cheap flights, or single-use items.
This text, still non-binding but already controversial, also proposes an advertising tax for polluting sectors, as well as stricter rules for access to public advertising spaces.
If adopted, these measures could revolutionize brand communication, particularly in the automotive, aviation, and tech industries.

Source: Novethic – Advertising and ecological transition: a shocking report proposes to regulate, tax and ban certain advertisements

4. American taxes: consequences for French industries

US President Donald Trump announced a 20% increase in customs duties on European products, particularly targeting French exports.
The most affected sectors include aeronautics (notably Airbus and Safran), wines and spirits, luxury goods, and dairy products.
In response, President Emmanuel Macron met with industry representatives to assess the economic consequences and consider support measures.

Source: Public Senate – American customs duties: which sectors in France will be most affected?

5. Europe faces the scale of food waste

A new report by the European Environment Agency reveals that every European citizen wasted an average of 131 kg of food in 2021.
Households are primarily responsible, far ahead of distribution and processing sectors.
In response, the European Commission is preparing a directive requiring Member States to set mandatory reduction targets applicable from 2025 across the entire food chain.

Source: Actu-Environnement – Food waste: the Twenty-Seven are doing nothing

6. Veolia accused of toxic pollution in Colombia

The NGO Global Witness accuses Veolia’s Colombian subsidiary of discharging toxic wastewater into a protected wetland in northern Colombia between 2021 and 2023.
The revealed documents point to ammonia, aluminum, and nitrite releases in a classified ecosystem of international importance, with potential effects on local biodiversity and nearby populations.
Veolia denies any illegality and claims its activity complies with Colombian regulations.

Source: Le Monde – Pollution: NGO Global Witness denounces Veolia’s toxic waste in a Colombian wetland

7. The EU prepares a simplified version of the ESRS

The European Commission announced it would revise the sectoral ESRS (European Sustainability Reporting Standards) framework to present a simplified version by October 31, 2025.
This decision is part of the “Omnibus” initiative, aimed at reducing regulatory burden while preserving transparency objectives linked to the Green Deal.
The first sectoral standards were initially expected in mid-2024, but their publication was postponed pending this revision.

Source: Forbes – The EU wants a new framework for CSRD by 31 October

8. The GRI refines its standards for the financial sector

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) launched a public consultation (open until May 30, 2025) on new industry standards for financial services — banking, insurance, and capital markets.
The goal is to offer more precise indicators to a sector often criticized for the vagueness of its ESG disclosures, particularly concerning indirect impacts related to investment and lending portfolios.

Source: GRI – Sector Standards Project for Financial Services

9. Greenwashing: record fine for DWS

Deutsche Bank’s asset management subsidiary DWS was fined €27 million in the United States for overstating the ESG characteristics of some of its funds.
The SEC ruled that DWS had not implemented the sustainability assessment processes claimed in its communications.
This record fine sends a clear signal to the financial sector: ESG criteria are now a genuine compliance matter, with major legal and reputational consequences.

Source: Les Echos – Greenwashing: record fine of 25 million euros for DWS

10. Giant fine against the European car industry

The European Commission fined 15 car manufacturers — including Renault, Peugeot, Fiat, Volkswagen, and BMW — €458 million for an illegal agreement on trade-in prices for end-of-life vehicles.
The investigation revealed collusion on recycling center rates, distorting competition and penalizing consumers.
This case underscores the rise of circular economy regulations, with increasingly severe sanctions for non-compliance.

Source: Le Monde – The EU imposes a fine of 458 million euros on 15 manufacturers for a cartel on car recycling