"Sustainability reporting: panacea or pacifier?"

In the European Union, the finishing touches are being put on a comprehensive package of regulations that will bring about a landslide in the external reporting of companies. In addition to annual financial reporting, a large part of the business world will in the near future also have to report on - what is called - sustainability aspects of business operations. In his farewell lecture on 8 September, Professor Ruud G.A. Vergoossen, Professor of International Financial Accounting, will indicate what opportunities and threats he sees with regard to sustainability reporting. He will also discuss the role of the accountant. Sustainability reporting. This sustainability reporting means, among other things, that company boards must indicate how it ensures fair and honest business, how the health and other interests of employees are protected, how (possible) harmful consequences of business activities for the environment are prevented or mitigated and - conversely - how, for example, environmental aspects such as climate change and declining biodiversity, influence the performance and future prospects of the company. It should also describe existing and potential negative effects occurring in the company's value chain, as well as the measures taken and their results to prevent, remedy or mitigate those effects.