Directive (EU) 2026/470 (Omnibus I), published on 26 February 2026 and entering into force on 18 March 2026, amends the main European rules on sustainability reporting and due diligence (CSRD and CSDDD) with the aim of simplifying obligations for undertakings.
MAIN AMENDMENTS INTRODUCED BY THE OMNIBUS I DIRECTIVE
| Regulatory framework | Subject of the amendment | Amendment introduced |
|---|---|---|
| CSRD | New thresholds | Sustainability reporting obligations will apply only to undertakings which, on a consolidated basis, generate more than EUR 450 million in net turnover and have more than 1,000 employees. |
| CSRD | Third-country undertakings | For subsidiaries and branches of third-country undertakings, the threshold for net turnover generated within the EU market is set at EUR 200 million. |
| CSRD | Review of ESRS | A review of the ESRS (European Sustainability Reporting Standards) is provided for, with the progressive introduction of additional requirements between 2026 and 2031. |
| CSRD | Transparency across the value chain | The new rules will progressively strengthen ESG transparency across value chains. |
| CSRD | Protection of SMEs within the value chain | The concept of a “protected undertaking” is introduced: SMEs with fewer than 1,000 employees that form part of the value chain of undertakings subject to reporting obligations may refuse requests for ESG information exceeding the European voluntary standards. |
| CSRD | VSME voluntary standards | The European voluntary standards for SMEs (VSME) will be published by 19 July 2026 and will constitute the maximum reference framework for information requests. |
| CSDDD | New thresholds | The Directive will apply only to undertakings having more than 5,000 employees and generating net worldwide turnover exceeding EUR 1.5 billion. |
| CSDDD | Date of application | A single date of application is provided for: 26 July 2029. |
| CSDDD | Climate transition plan | The obligation to adopt a climate transition plan provided for in the previous version of the Directive has been removed. |
| CSDDD | Liability regime | The harmonised liability regime at Union level has been removed. |
| CSDDD | Penalties | Member States shall ensure that the maximum limit of pecuniary penalties is set at 3% of the net worldwide turnover in the financial year preceding that of the decision to impose the fine. |
NATIONAL TRANSPOSITION
As of 18 March 2026, Member States will have one year to transpose the Omnibus I Directive into their respective national legal orders.
