Page 11 - PERFORM_MODULE_1_CONTENT

3. CSR Policies in Europe

The European Union has increasingly recognised the importance of Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) in fostering sustainable economic development. Over the past two

decades, the EU has taken significant steps to create a shared policy framework encouraging
companies to integrate social and environmental responsibility into their operations.

The push began in 2001–2002 with the publication of the Green Paper and a Communication
from the European Commission, promoting voluntary CSR adoption as part of a broader

strategy for sustainable development. In 2011, the EU introduced a renewed CSR strategy
aligning with global frameworks such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human

Rights. This strategy emphasised enterprise-led development, supported by public policy
where necessary. In 2015, the EU formally endorsed these UN principles. By 2017, CSR

reporting had become mandatory for large companies under Directive 2014/95/EU, leading to
wider CSR implementation. In 2019, the European Green Deal prompted a review of CSR

reporting standards, followed by a 2021 legislative proposal to expand corporate sustainability
obligations. Together, these milestones reflect the EU's commitment to making CSR a core of

European business strategy and sustainability.

4. Best practices of CSR and autism inclusion in Europe

In the following Table, some best practices related to the application of CSR in the EU tourism
and hospitality sector are presented.

Company/ Country CSR Initiative Link
Organisation
Accor France / “Planet 21” program promoting https://group.accor.com/en/sustaina
Global sustainable food, water/energy ble-development/planet-21
efficiency, and local sourcing in hotels
worldwide.
Sodexo France / "Stop Hunger" is a global initiative https://www.sodexo.com/en/home/c
Global fighting food insecurity through orporate-responsibility.html
donations, volunteer work, and job
training for vulnerable groups.
Meliá Hotels Spain EarthCheck certification for https://www.meliahotelsinternational
Internationa environmental transparency, waste .com/en/sustainability
l and energy monitoring, and
sustainability staff training.
Autogrill Italy Use of biodegradable materials, food https://www.autogrill.com/en/sustain
waste monitoring, and sustainable ability
sourcing in Italian rest stops.

10 | P a g e

Project Number 2023-1-IT01-KA220-VET-000152721