Shaping policy: key developments driving ACCA engagement
 

  • Omnibus Package: simplifying sustainability reporting

    The EU is revising the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) to reduce complexity and align timelines. ACCA remains engaged through leading industry groups (Accountancy Europe, EFAA, and SMEunited) to ensure changes support businesses without undermining transparency or accountability. Read EFAA’s position on the impact of recent EU Omnibus proposals on SMPs and SMEs and their feature in AB magazine. 

  • Sustainability reporting standards: streamlining implementation

    The European Commission (EC) tasked EFRAG with revising the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) by 31 October 2025. As the profession plays a vital role in sustainability assurance, ACCA advocates for standards that align with IFRS frameworks and deliver decision-useful information. 

  • VSME standards for SMEs: building practical guidance

    EFRAG’s VSME Community – now +500 strong – is designing voluntary sustainability guidelines tailored to SMEs to be delivered by November 2025. ACCA’s Aidan Clifford is contributing to ensure a proportional, meaningful reporting that supports SME growth and financing. Watch EFRAG’s latest event, VSME in Action: Empowering SMEs for a Sustainable Future. 

  • Union of Skills: preparing for future workforce needs

    ACCA is engaging with policymakers on upcoming EU Union of Skills initiatives, including the EU Talent Pool and Skills Portability initiative. By sharing Global Talent Trends with the European Commission, ACCA reinforces its commitment to tackling talent shortages and improving mobility for finance professionals.  

  • EU Consultations
    • EU’s next long-term budget (MFF) – ACCA is calling for robust support for financial, sustainability, and auditing standards in the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034, ensuring future EU funding aligns with business and regulatory needs. EC proposal expected 16 July. 
    • Sustainable Finance Disclosures revision – in the recent call for evidence, ACCA urged the EC to simplify the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), easing reporting burdens while maintaining clarity and comparability for investors. 
    • Apply AI Strategy – ACCA contributed insights to the EC’s AI Office, advocating for clear assessment mechanisms within the AI Act implementation and highlighting finance professionals’ expertise in ethical governance and assurance. 

Events and networking opportunities 
 

  • EFAA Annual Conference (22 May)

    The international conference, in Marseille, hosted strategic discussions on how SMPs can enhance Europe’s competitiveness. ACCA participated, emphasising reskilling and talent attraction to future-proof the profession.  

  • Early Warning Europe Day (12 June)

    In Warsaw & online, experts tackled SME resilience, burden reduction, and digital skills. ACCA reinforced calls for policy action to promote financial literacy, invest on sustainability education, and improve talent mobility.