EU update - July/August 2026

ACCA has responded to the Commission's consultation on the upcoming guidelines for the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).

ACCA stressed that the guidelines must support better decision-making rather than become a 'tick-box' exercise.

Our submission also calls for guidance that enables sound judgement, clear prioritisation of impacts, proportionality, and interoperability with existing frameworks.

The Commission is expected to adopt the final guidelines in Q1 2027.

The EU is advancing EU Inc., a new optional company law framework designed to simplify cross-border business through harmonised incorporation and governance rules.

Building on our earlier response to the Commission’s consultation, ACCA continues to underline that any new regime must me practical, digital-by-default and supportive of SME growth.

At a recent EFAA meeting, Greta Koch, assistant to MEP Axel Voss (Germany), confirmed strong political momentum behind EU Inc.’s competitiveness goals, while highlighting ongoing debates on governance and insolvency rules.

EU legislators aim to conclude the file by end‑2026, paving the way for a streamlined framework that supports SME growth across the Single Market.

To help readers follow these fast‑moving policy files, ACCA Brussels prepared the timeline below, setting out the key developments and showing how each initiative is progressing at EU level: 

Closing 31 October – ESRS-TC consultation

EFRAG published the ESRS-40a Exposure Draft and opened a public consultation inviting feedback by 31 October. The draft sets out sustainability reporting requirements for third‑country undertakings with significant EU activities, aligned with Article 40a of the Accounting Directive and supporting CSRD implementation.

30 September 2026 – Technical guidelines on limited assurance standards 

CEAOB to deliver its technical advice to the Commission on the EU limited assurance standards by 30 September, after which the Commission will launch a public consultation this autumn. 

Q1 2027 – CSDDD guidelines 

European Commission expected to publish the final Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) implementation guidelines in Q1 2027, offering practical orientation to very large EU companies and non‑EU companies with significant EU business on meeting their due diligence obligations ahead of the Directive’s application in July 2029. 

Early 2027 – Audit supervision initiative 

Public consultation expected early 2027. 

ACCA Europe is delighted to invite you to our high‑level hybrid conference, Investing in Skills for SME Competitiveness: An EU–Ireland Dialogue for the 2026 Presidency, hosted by BDO Ireland in Dublin on 22 October.

Featuring a keynote from European Commissioner Michael McGrath and contributions from leading EU and Irish practitioners, the event will explore how targeted investment in education, training and skills, especially within the accounting profession, can strengthen SME competitiveness across Europe.

With an EU‑level online panel followed by an in‑person discussion in Dublin, this Presidency‑associated event offers a unique opportunity to engage with the leaders shaping Europe’s skills agenda. Registrations opening soon.