Eropean Commission - Employment, social affairs and equal opportunities

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Do you think companies should be more responsible in the way they do business? Are you more and more aware of social and environmental influences products you buy, and do you feel you need quality assurance? Do you think that workers need a more rewarding and inspiring work environment?

Corporate social responsibility is companies acting voluntarily and beyond the law to achieve social and environmental objectives during the course of their daily business activities. The European Commission is promoting inclusive and good quality employment practices within enterprises, particularly within the supply chain and down to the respect for human rights in the international context. Flexicurity and diversity management are emerging issues that companies are needing to address. Innovations in employee health management, business education and lifelong learning, and environmental issues are equally part of the CSR agenda, discussions about which are undertaken on a multi-stakeholder basis.

The Commission hosts meetings between Member State CSR specialists and with many different stakeholders. Regular calls for proposals are opened for projects to promote exchanges and sharing of good practice. The Commission organised a major conference at the end of 2007, which put the international dimension of CSR on the map. 2008 will feature further work with international bodies to consolidate a landmark declaration on CSR from the G8 countries at Heiligendam in 2007.