Partner
Consultant, Head of Sustainability Services, Sustainability Auditor IDW
Draft Delegated Acts Submitted for Consultation: Revised ESRS and Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard (VS) – (formerly VSME)
- The European Commission published two draft delegated acts on May 6, 2026.
- This marks the start of the four-week consultation phase.
- Feedback can be submitted via the Commission's "Have Your Say" portal until June 3, 2026.
- The planned adoption of the acts is scheduled for Q2/2026.
Dr. Christian Maier
Partner
Auditor, CPA (U.S.), Head of Accounting, Reporting & Process Advisory
The European Commission published two draft delegated acts on May 6, 2026, and launched a four-week consultation phase for each. The Revised ESRS and Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard (VS, formerly VSME) are now open for comment until June 3, 2026. The adoption of the acts is scheduled for Q2/2026.
Revised #ESRS – Simplification for Reporting Companies
The revision is an important step toward simplifying sustainability reporting in the EU. Companies that remain subject to reporting requirements benefit from leaner, clearer standards while maintaining core political objectives.
Documents published on May 6, 2026:
- Draft delegated act: Revised European Sustainability Reporting Standards (185 pages)
- Accompanying document with changes (9 pages)
The most important clarifications compared to ESRS 2023 concern:
- Materiality assessment
- Fair presentation
- Level of aggregation and disaggregation
- Anticipated financial effects
Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard (VS) – for Companies in the Supply Chain
Companies in the supply chain of reporting companies frequently receive data requests from their business partners. The new voluntary standard is specifically aimed at these companies, particularly those with fewer than 1,000 employees.
Documents published on May 6, 2026:
- Draft delegated act: Sustainability Reporting Standards for voluntary use by undertakings protected by the value chain cap (29 pages)
- Accompanying document with changes (10 pages)
The VS remains closely aligned with the former #VSME and is intended to reduce the reporting burden for non-reporting companies without imposing disproportionate requirements.
The most important clarifications compared to the VSME concern:
- Reduction of data points (alignment with revised ESRS)
- Clarification on the application of the value chain cap
- Simplified requirements for companies with up to 10 employees (certain environmental disclosures are voluntary for this group).
The Commission wants your feedback! Both drafts are open for feedback for 4 weeks – submitted statements will be published on the portal: Revised European sustainability reporting standards | Sustainability reporting standard for voluntary use