EU Multi-Stakeholder Forum

7/29/2019 EU Multi-Stakeholder Forum

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10/11/2003 LVDB/LSO 2003/50

EU Multi-StakeholderForum (MSF)

Highlights Interim Summary

Prepared and presented by

Prof. Dr. Lutgart Van den Berghe,

on behalf of the Rapporteurs of the MSF


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Overview of most important issues

Review of Forum Process & Progress

Points of discussion

CSR determining factors drivers

barriers and challenges

success factors


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success factors


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Organisation of the MSF

Meeting format - 4 theme-based Round Tables:

Knowledge RT:

improving knowledge about CSR and facilitating the

exchange of experience and good practice Rapporteur: Prof. dr. Lutgart Van den Berghe

SME RT:

fostering CSR among SMEs

Rapporteur: David Grayson

Transparency RT:

diversity, convergence and transparency of CSR practices

and tools Rapporteur: Penny Walker

Development RT

development aspects of CSR

Rapporteur: Anne Peeters


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The MSF has proven to be a learningorganisation:

the quality of the meetings and the presentations haveimproved considerably

The MSF has proven to be a useful and unique

platform for dialogue between the business worldand its stakeholders

the forum contributed to a better understanding of CSR, itsboundaries and the roles and responsibilities of the different

players it contributed to a better understanding of views and

concerns of the different stakeholders.

There are shared views on some specific issues, but

fundamental differences of opinion remain

Progress achieved


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success factors


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Points of discussion and disagreement

Convergence or flexibility in transparency?

Should there be a European (international?) reference standardframework?

Should there be full flexibility?

Is there a middle ground?

Crucial question: how can transparency be the most efficient andeffective

Accepting internal and external verification?

Broad parameters with flexible implementation?

No agreement on the need for a mixture ofmandatory policies and voluntary CSR-approach

Arguments in favour of government intervention & regulation >< cut-down version of the big company version

specific challenges but also some differential advantages

Helping SMEs understand their legal obligations in areas such as

employment and environmental issues

Clear identification of business case for CSR for SMEs

how to make SMEs more competitive?

Need for CSR-stimulating initiatives tailored to SMEs

EU Multi-Stakeholder Forum

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