New transparency obligations for ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) in Italy were introduced through Legislative Decree no. 125/2024, which transposed the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).The main purpose of the CSRD is to ensure a more accurate and accurate communication of companies' sustainability performance, allowing for better assessment of their environmental and social impact. Pursuant to art. 3, large companies and listed SMEs shall incorporate information on the impact of their activities in terms of sustainability and the influence of ESG factors on business results and prospects. Art. 4 extends this obligation to the parent companies, providing for a consolidated reporting for the corporate groups.

The ESG report is subject to a specific certification that can be entrusted to the same auditor or to a different entity.

The requirements are implemented gradually: from 2024 for companies already subject to the Directive on Non-Financial Reporting, from 2025 for all large companies and from 2026 for listed SMEs. From 2028, the obligation will also involve non-EU companies with significant activities in the European Union. Exemptions are provided for micro-enterprises and companies already included in consolidated reports compliant with European standards.

The publication of the report, which is mandatory online, is regulated by the civil code and represents a strategic opportunity for companies. It is not just a formal fulfillment, but a tool to measure and communicate the company’s commitment to sustainability, improving transparency and stakeholder confidence.

This new regulatory approach represents a decisive step towards a more equitable, inclusive and environmentally friendly economy by encouraging companies to integrate sustainability as a central element of their growth strategy.