Webinar Recap: Omnibus: The Impact Train Has Already Departed! (in Dutch)
In this webinar, hosted as part of CSRD DAY, our experts Reinier de Adelhart Toorop, Teresa Fogelberg and Werner Schouten explored how businesses can stay ahead despite recent political uncertainty around the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the proposed Omnibus amendments. The overarching message was clear: although regulatory timelines may shift, the momentum behind sustainability and impact reporting is unstoppable. Organisations that embrace transparency, invest in long-term impact, and maintain ambition will not only stay compliant, but become future-fit leaders in a changing global economy.
Key takeaways
Lotte Dietz (Moderator – Manager, Impact Institute)
Reinier de Adelhart Toorop (Head of Research, Impact Institute)
Reinier provided a clear-eyed analysis of recent developments, structured as “the good, the bad, and the ugly.” He celebrated the publication of early CSRD-aligned reports and the potential for this information to drive meaningful decisions by investors, employees, and consumers.
Teresa Fogelberg (Board Member, Impact Economy Foundation)
Teresa offered a historical reflection on how sustainability reporting has evolved over decades – from post-war human rights declarations to early environmental disasters, and later the founding of GRI, which she co-founded. She noted that the CSRD is part of this long arc, and although the Omnibus might feel like a setback, it is likely a temporary adjustment in a broader trend. Importantly, the “house” of CSRD – the framework, standards, and ambition – is already built. Teresa argued that responsible companies will continue reporting, not just for compliance, but to lead with integrity in a world that urgently needs it.
Werner Schouten (Director, Impact Economy Foundation)
Werner framed CSRD as an essential building block in Europe’s strategy for competitive sustainability. While reporting itself won’t solve the climate crisis, it provides the transparency needed to support sustainable choices in procurement, investment, and governance. Despite delays, the pressures of climate change, resource scarcity, and shifting consumer values remain. Werner argued that companies who act now will gain long-term advantages -better ESG ratings, lower capital costs, and reputational resilience. He positioned the CSRD as a core enabler for Europe’s clean industrial strategy and a tool to compete globally on values, not just price.
