One of the key policy developments that will be explored during the webinar is the planned European Sustainability Reporting Standard for third-country companies (ESRS-TC), that will apply to certain non-EU companies with significant business activities in Europe. EFRAG launched a public consultation running until 31 October to which ACCA is preparing a response to ensure the standard is workable, proportionate and aligned with global reporting practices. EFRAG will deliver its Technical Advice in January 2027, followed by a Commission consultation and adoption, with first reports expected for the 2028 financial year and publication in 2029.

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.

As part of the Savings and Investments Union strategy, the Commission has launched a call for best practices in financial literacy – investing, savings and risk literacy – open until 31 October. This builds on ACCA’s earlier exchanges with DG FISMA, where we shared our financial education resources to support the Commission’s work on strengthening financial capability across Europe. ACCA is preparing evidence showcasing our insights on what drives effective financial education. Results will feed into a synthesis report shaping future EU policy, with further thematic exercises planned for 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 2026 – 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, 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. 

Sign up for Early Warning Europe Day, on 18 September, the annual policy event of the Early Warning Europe Network’s (EWEU). Hosted by EUIPO in Alicante, it brings together experts from across Europe to tackle today’s biggest SME challenges, including competitiveness, access to finance, intellectual property, and barriers to growth and resilience. As the European network supporting entrepreneurs through mentoring and early‑intervention tools, the event offers sharp insights into Europe’s SME landscape for anyone working in SME support, innovation, entrepreneurship or research.  

ACCA’s new report, Enabling Insight: The Future of the Accountancy Profession, shows how finance teams can unlock smarter, faster and more reliable decision‑making by embracing data, technology and new analytical capabilities. As digitalisation accelerates, the report highlights the practical steps organisations can take to build insight‑driven finance functions that add real strategic value. Explore the report and help strengthen the profession’s role in driving resilient, high‑performing organisations.