What’s behind the CSRD quick fix?
When the European Commission recently proposed a “quick fix” to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), some assumed it signaled a loosening of ESG rules. But as sustainability expert Tim Mohin explained in his widely shared LinkedIn post, the real message is clear:
“The EU has not backed down. The timelines may shift, but the expectations are as strong as ever.”
So what does this mean for ESG professionals tasked with implementing the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS)?
Let’s explore the details—and how the Certified CSRD & ESRS Practitioner course can help you stay ahead.
What the CSRD Quick Fix Changes (and Doesn’t)
In July 2025, the Commission proposed targeted adjustments to CSRD’s rollout. These include:
- Postponing sector-specific ESRS to 2026
- Easing reporting for listed SMEs
- Clarifying the phased implementation of double materiality
- Offering more guidance to reduce administrative burdens
You can review the official legislative summary here:
🔗 European Commission Quick Fix Proposal
However, the core requirements for large companies remain unchanged:
- ESRS 1 and ESRS 2 reporting is still mandatory from 2025 (for FY 2024)
- Double materiality assessments are required
- Digital tagging (XBRL) and audit preparation continue
- Limited assurance by third parties will become the norm
As the EFRAG 2025 State of Play Report (PDF) shows, many organizations are behind schedule—even with the delay.
Real-World Impacts: Airbus and H&M
Let’s take a closer look at two large companies navigating CSRD requirements.
✈️ Airbus SE
Airbus has begun disclosing in line with ESRS, focusing on risk, climate, and governance. Yet, the company has acknowledged challenges in completing a robust double materiality assessment—particularly around biodiversity and upstream value chain emissions. With sector-specific ESRS postponed, Airbus now has breathing room—but no time to delay internal ESG processes.
👚 H&M Group
With significant EU exposure, H&M is actively preparing for CSRD compliance. It has launched a materiality refresh involving broad stakeholder engagement and Scope 3 emissions mapping. According to H&M’s 2024 sustainability disclosure, their biggest challenge lies in aligning their legacy GRI reports with new ESRS metrics and audit-readiness requirements.
Both examples show the reality: the “quick fix” offers technical flexibility, not regulatory forgiveness.
What ESG Professionals Need to Do Now
Whether you’re inside a company or advising clients, CSRD and ESRS present several challenges that require immediate skills:
- Interpreting the full scope of ESRS 1 and 2
- Conducting a double materiality assessment with financial and impact relevance
- Mapping ESG metrics to financial disclosures
- Preparing for limited assurance with audit-level rigor
- Coordinating cross-departmental data from HR, legal, finance, and operations
The time to build this expertise is now—and self-teaching from PDFs won’t get you there fast enough.
Get Trained: Certified CSRD & ESRS Practitioner
The Online Certificate on CSRD & ESRS Standards is a globally accessible, fully online course created specifically to help ESG professionals master the new EU requirements. Developed by experts in EU regulation and ESG strategy, it is designed to be practical, timely, and career-focused.
What you’ll learn:
- The architecture and key principles of CSRD and ESRS
- How to structure your report using ESRS 1 and ESRS 2
- How to apply double materiality step-by-step
- The relationship between ESRS and GRI, SASB, and EU Taxonomy
- Assurance requirements and what auditors expect
- How to identify relevant disclosures and KPIs for your sector
📚 Includes downloadable templates, case examples, and real-world examples drawn from major EU companies.
Who is it for?
- Sustainability and ESG professionals involved in reporting
- Compliance and finance teams preparing for CSRD deadlines
- ESG consultants supporting corporate clients
- Auditors and legal advisors managing assurance risk
- Non-EU professionals supporting EU subsidiaries
Why it matters now
Even with the timeline shift, CSRD Phase 1 is already live for thousands of companies. Sector-specific ESRS will follow soon—and companies are hiring now to meet demand.
This course allows you to:
✅ Add in-demand credentials to your CV
✅ Build confidence with CSRD-aligned frameworks
✅ Stay compliant with evolving EU laws
✅ Position yourself as an ESG reporting leader
Final Takeaway
Don’t be misled by the phrase “quick fix.” The EU’s direction is clear: more accountability, transparency, and alignment between sustainability and financial reporting.
Professionals who understand CSRD and ESRS are already shaping how companies respond. If you want to lead in this space, specialized training is your launchpad.
🔗Online Certificate on CSRD & ESRS Standards
The course is designed for sustainability professionals and corporate executives seeking to deepen their expertise in the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). This course equips you with essential knowledge and skills to navigate and comply with the CSRD & ESRS. The course is accredited by CPD.
Because when the regulation is moving this fast, the best fix is being prepared.