The Omnibus Package: The Way Forward on Simplification & Sustainability Rules

The EFF event "The Omnibus Package and the Food Sector: The Way Forward on Simplification and Sustainability Rules" is set to address the European Union's legislative simplification efforts, spearheaded by President Von der Leyen. This initiative aims to consolidate and streamline sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) regulations, thereby reducing regulatory burdens on businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). 

On February 26, the European Commissioner Dombrovskis presented proposals that will  impact the food sector, focusing on changes to ESG reporting and due diligence requirements as outlined in the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CS3D) Directive. The Omnibus Initiative seeks to address the complexities of sustainability regulations, facilitating easier compliance for companies. However, this initiative may substantially alter the original conception and ambition of these rules. The event's objective is to evaluate the pros and cons of the Omnibus simplification proposals and its direct impact specifically on the food sector, as well as its broader implications for civil society and citizens. 

The event will feature a panel discussion on regulatory feasibility and impact, providing an overview of the Omnibus Initiative and its implications. Industry perspectives will be presented to offer insights from stakeholders affected by these regulations. The discussions will conclude with a conversation on achieving balance, drawing conclusions, and proposing next steps for implementation. 

This event offers stakeholders an opportunity to share their views and engage with EU lawmakers and regulators. Such collaboration is essential for shaping the future of sustainability and compliance frameworks in Europe. 

Join us in shaping policies and solutions that promote well-being across Europe! 

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Agenda

Moderator: Agata Jaskot - Government Affairs Lead - Bunge 

15h30-15h40 Opening remarks by MEPs Elena Donazzan and Pietro Fiocchi 

15h40 – 16h20  Panel 1 - Setting the scene on regulatory feasibility and impact & overview of the Omnibus Initiative 

• Tijmen de Vries -  Managing Partner Schuttelaar & Partners 

• Martin Merlin – Director Financial Markets DG FISMA 

• Aleksandra Palinska – Executive Director at Eurosif, the European Sustainable Investment Forum 

Q&A 

16h20 – 17h00 Panel 2 -  Business and Civil Society Perspectives on the Omnibus Initiative 

• Name TBC – Director European Coalition for Corporate Justice (ECCJ)  

• Veronique Willems – Secretary General, SMEUnited 

• Katrin Heeren – Director Environment & Sustainability, FoodDrinkEurope 

• Aldo Cristiano – Head of Institutional Affairs and Sustainability, Ferrero Germany 

• Illa Brockmeyer - Head of Public Policy - EU & International METRO 

Q&A 

17h00 – 17h20 Panel 3 - Finding the Right Balance: Conclusion and next steps proposals (all panelists) 

Key discussion points: 

• Will the Omnibus Initiative truly simplify ESG compliance? 

• How to ensure the system is both effective and business-friendly? 

• What refinements are needed before implementation? 

17h20 -17h30  Closing Remarks by MEPs Elena Donazzan and Pietro Fiocchi