La proposta Pacchetto Omnibus I: le novità e i vantaggi dello standard VSME
The European Commission’s directive proposal known as the First Omnibus Package, published on February 26, 2025, has introduced significant news for many companies, sparking widespread discussion about sustainability reporting. With a two-year extension proposed (and widely expected to be approved) for certain categories of companies, the mandatory deadline for sustainability report preparation has been postponed. This extension offers relief to many businesses facing an imminent deadline.
While this might seem like good news for companies needing more time, it is crucial to approach this transition period strategically. The postponement should not be seen as an opportunity to indefinitely delay commitment, but rather as a chance to prepare calmly and thoughtfully.
Why Start Collecting Data Now?
Many companies might think the deadline extension allows them to postpone the start of data collection needed for sustainability reporting. However, this mindset can be limiting. Starting data collection today is not just about future compliance — it is a fundamental step to approach sustainability reporting with greater awareness. Companies that begin early will gain a strategic advantage:
-
- Early preparation and risk reduction: Beginning data collection and analysis of non-financial information now helps create a solid foundation for sustainability reporting when it becomes mandatory. This gradual process reduces the risks of last-minute errors and omissions.
- Optimized business management: Collecting and monitoring sustainability data provides valuable insights to improve environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. It helps identify inefficiencies and enhances internal management, benefiting operational and business performance.
- Competitive advantage: Companies that start working on their sustainability report today position themselves as industry leaders. They will be ready when the obligation comes into effect and earn the trust of clients, investors, and stakeholders increasingly focused on corporate sustainability, boosting their reputation and brand.
- Alignment with International Standards: Preparing now also means paving the way for smooth alignment with more complex regulations such as the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), which, although currently postponed, will become mandatory in the coming years for many companies.
Benefits of Adopting VSME (Voluntary Reporting Standard for Small and Medium Enterprises)
An important opportunity for SMEs looking to start sustainability reporting without excessive burdens is the adoption of the VSME standard.
Published on December 17, 2024 by EFRAG — the European organization responsible for developing ESG standards — VSME is voluntary but offers many strategic advantages:
-
- Simplified and flexible approach: VSME is designed specifically for small and medium enterprises, considering their challenges in data collection and management. Its streamlined structure allows companies to gather and monitor data more easily and cost-effectively than with more complex standards like ESRS.
- Smooth transition to ESRS: Although simpler, VSME is fully compatible with ESRS, which will become mandatory starting in 2026 for an increasing number of companies. Adopting VSME now means gradually initiating reporting without the shock of switching suddenly to more complex standards. This ensures a well-organized transition.
- Gradual preparation: VSME enables a step-by-step approach to sustainability reporting, allowing companies to organize their processes calmly and reduce compliance risks once reporting becomes compulsory. It also helps better understand data structuring, facilitating migration to ESRS-compliant reports.
- Easy integration: VSME can be easily integrated into existing reporting systems, reducing workload and internal resource demands. With a dedicated sustainability reporting platform, the transition becomes even smoother.
- Enhanced corporate reputation: Beyond compliance, adopting VSME boosts the company’s market reputation. Transparency on sustainability performance builds trust with:
- Clients, especially medium-large companies that increasingly require sustainability data from their value chain
- Business partners, investors, and banks, who are more and more inclined to fund or collaborate with environmentally and socially responsible companies.
An Investment in Your Company’s Future
In conclusion, although the Omnibus I Package proposal has effectively postponed the mandatory deadline for some companies, the transition period represents a strategic opportunity to start sustainability reporting. Beginning data collection today not only reduces risks and aligns with future standards but also provides a significant competitive edge.
VSME is a smart choice for SMEs seeking to embark on this journey simply and effectively, while preparing for the upcoming ESRS introduction. Supported by dedicated software that facilitates data collection, organization, and management, companies can follow a well-structured sustainability path with long-term positive impacts. This solution also enables integration of already collected data with additional requirements from more complex standards, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition while maintaining full historical data integrity.
Investing now in a platform that supports sustainability report preparation is not merely a regulatory necessity — it’s a strategic decision that will bring long-term benefits.