France is urging the European Union to delay and amend corporate sustainability regulations, citing concerns over competitiveness and regulatory burdens. On January 20, 2025, France published a memorandum advocating for modifications to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the postponement of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D). This aligns with broader trends in deregulation seen in the United States and other major economies. 

The CSRD, which came into force on January 5, 2023, requires large EU companies and non-EU firms with significant EU operations to report sustainability data. While France has implemented the directive on time, other EU countries have faced delays, leading to infringement procedures. The CS3D, which took effect in July 2024, mandates that companies assess and address environmental and human rights risks throughout their supply chains. France has yet to integrate this directive into national law and is pushing for adjustments to its scope and implementation timeline. 

France argues that the growing complexity of sustainability regulations is putting European businesses at a competitive disadvantage. The French government proposes reducing the number of sustainability indicators required under the CSRD, focusing primarily on climate objectives, and introducing a cap on reporting obligations in subcontracting chains. Additionally, France supports the creation of a mid-cap classification within the Accounting Directive to apply lighter reporting standards to mid-sized firms. 

Regarding the CS3D, France advocates limiting its application to EU companies with over 5,000 employees and EUR 1.5 billion in global turnover. It also suggests shifting due diligence responsibilities from subsidiaries to parent companies and establishing a single EU supervisory authority for streamlined oversight. 

Beyond sustainability regulations, France’s memorandum calls for simplifications in AI governance, banking standards, agricultural aid, and waste classification. The proposal reflects a broader movement toward deregulation in Europe, with growing political and business sector support. While France’s initiative may gain traction, achieving consensus at the EU level remains uncertain. Companies should closely monitor these developments as regulatory changes could significantly impact their ESG compliance strategies. 

Sources: 

https://natlawreview.com/article/corporate-sustainability-obligations-eu-france-urges-eu-postpone-application 

https://www.sheppardfrenchdesk.com/2025/02/articles/corporate/corporate-sustainability-obligations-in-the-eu-france-urges-the-eu-to-postpone-the-application-of-adopted-eu-directives/ 

https://www.esgtoday.com/france-calls-on-eu-to-delay-water-down-sustainability-reporting-and-due-diligence-requirements/