The European Commission’s EU Green Week is an opportunity to raise awareness, promote and discuss European environmental policy. Organised by Directorate-General for Environment every year, this high-level event attracts policymakers, leading environmentalists, stakeholders from across Europe to discuss pressing issues related to environmental protection and sustainability. This year’s topic highlights the urgent need for sustainability in decision-making.

EU Green Week 2023 will take place from Saturday 3 June to Sunday 11 June 2023 under the overarching theme of the European Green Deal.

As the world moves towards a greener future, the accountancy profession has an increasingly important role in supporting businesses to transition to more sustainable models. With a growing focus on corporate social responsibility and sustainability reporting, accountants are well-placed to guide and advice to businesses.

Our members’ initiatives in sustainability education

In June 2022, EU policymakers reached an agreement on the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). The new law enhances sustainability reporting requirements and will impact over 50 000 companies. It also introduces an EU wide limited assurance requirement, a first for sustainability information.  

The CSRD comes with additional educational requirements for the statutory auditors to provide assurance on sustainability information. They will have to acquire the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge on this and pass the required examination. 

This is a major shift for the accountancy profession and getting adequate training will be key. Many small practitioners will rely on their professional institute to help them get ready to take up this new challenge.

As a leading accounting organization representing 1 million qualified accountants, auditors, and advisors across 35 countries, Accountancy Europe is committed to promoting sustainability, sustainable transition, and sustainability education. Accountancy Europe serves as a platform to exchange experience and good practice among Member Bodies. Through its initiatives and partnerships, Accountancy Europe empowers its members to support sustainable transition efforts in the industry.

Find more information about our Members’ initiatives here.

Webinar: Developing green skills for finance professionals

In this EU Green Week 2023 partner event, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Accountancy Europe and the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) will bring together global experts to discuss the skills and education needed for finance professionals to contribute to a green and just transition.

As the world seeks to decarbonise its economies and achieve net zero emissions, there is an urgent need for stakeholders to understand and respond to that challenge.

Finance professionals and the accountancy profession have a critical role in putting sustainability at the heart of decision-making and in championing responsible practices in the public interest. They must, however, be equipped with the right education and skills.

Join us to discuss:

• how to identify and create the right framework for sustainability education for finance professionals
• the strong need for capacity building in the sustainability information space
• challenges and opportunities for practitioners

Find more information & register here.