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Corporate social responsibility
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Environment: Action Plan SCP/SIP
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Sustainable product policy
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Eco-industries
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Climate change
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Environmental management
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External dimension
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Enterprise policy integration
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can make a significant contribution towards sustainability and competitiveness, both in Europe and globally.
The European Commission's definition of CSR is:
"A concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and in their interaction with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis."
The Commission has recognised the role of CSR as a contributing factor to the Lisbon Strategy for growth and jobs. CSR can help to shape the kind of competitiveness model that Europe wants.
CSR and the economic crisis
CSR is more relevant than ever in the context economic crisis. It can help to build (and rebuild) trust in business, which is vital for the health of Europe's social market economy. It can also point the way to new forms of value of creation based on addressing societal challenges, which may represent a way out of the crisis.
European policy
The Commission's most recent Communication on CSR 
[158 KB] was published in 2006. It emphasises the importance of CSR and challenges business to take leadership in this field. It also outlines ways in which the Commission intends to continue to promote CSR as a voluntary concept, with an emphasis on dialogue between stakeholders.