Favorable changes in the EP for Polish small and medium-sized companies

PO and PiS MEPs announced on Thursday that in the vote in the European Parliament they managed to push through provisions favorable to Poland regarding EU regulations on reporting obligations of small and medium-sized companies. The EP wants to limit these obligations for companies of this type.

In February, the European Commission proposed a package of simplifications of EU regulations, the so-called Omnibus I. Its aim is to reduce the regulatory and administrative burden on EU businesses in the area of ​​the so-called sustainable development (ESG). In practice ESG reporting means that companies document and disclose how they act to benefit the environment and society.

On Thursday The European Parliament supported the reduction of reporting obligations and requirements for companieswith 382 votes in favor, 249 against and 13 abstentions.

In the adopted position, MEPs concluded that reports on social and environmental impact should only be prepared by companies employing on average over 1,750 employees and achieving an annual net turnover of over EUR 450 million. A number of exceptions have also been introduced for companies.

The EP wants reporting standards to be further simplified and restricted, requiring less detailed information from companies. Smaller companies would be protected from the reporting requirements of their large business partners.

MEP Adam Bielan (PiS) said at a press conference that the coalition of groups in the EP: European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), European People's Party (EPP), Patriots for Europe and Europe of Sovereign Nations contributed to solutions favorable to Poland. The first faction includes PiS, the second faction PO. – Today showed that another majority in this house is possible. This is important news for small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, emphasized Bielan.

MEP Dariusz Joński (PO) was also satisfied with the result of the vote. – The European Parliament has agreed to exempt more companies from environmental reporting rules. Omnibus is a key step towards reviving the European economy – he said in a post on the X platform. In an interview with PAP, he added that joint amendments from the EPL and EKR were adopted in the vote, removing reporting obligations from many companies.

MEP Tomasz Bocheński (PiS) said at a press conference that “the entire right and center” voted together on this issue. – Socialists, leftists and liberals were pushed aside and lost this vote. We won it for Polish employees and Polish employers, defending Polish companies against absurd proposals that were voted on by the ruling coalition last term. This is a small step in the right direction, he emphasized.

The rapporteur of the EP's legal committee, MEP Joergen Warborn (EPP), also spoke on this matter. He said that the vote shows that Europe can be both sustainable and competitive.

– We simplify regulations, reduce costs and provide companies with the clarity they need to grow, invest and create well-paid jobs, he said.

The EP mandate was adopted with 382 votes in favor, 249 against and 13 abstentions.

Negotiations with the governments of EU countries that have already adopted their position on this matter will start on November 18, and their goal is to finalize the regulations by the end of 2025.

From Brussels Łukasz Osiński (PAP)

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