Diritto Pubblico Comparato ed Europeo

Sommario

1. Premessa. – 2. La responsabilità sociale d’impresa: una nozione controversa. – 3. Il Libro Verde: contenuto ed aspetti critici. – 4. Segue: responsabilità sociale delle imprese e diritti umani. – 5. La Comunicazione della Commissione sulla responsabilità sociale d’impresa. – 6. Segue: settori chiave per lo sviluppo della RSI. – 7. Segue: la dimensione esterna della responsabilità sociale. – 8. Considerazioni conclusive.

Abstract

This paper deals with community action in the area of company social responsibility. The Council Resolution of 6 February 2003 pursues a European strategy on company social responsibility. As a matter of fact there is no universally accepted definition of company social responsibility. The community action on company social responsibility has received renewed attention thanks to the publication of the Green Book which points out that companies can make their contribution to the achievement of social objectives and to environmental protection, although their major aim is still economic efficiency. This article provides a brief reflection on this matter, starting with an attempt to analyse the different notions of company social responsibility. It also reports on the problem concerning human rights in the Green Book and the most important aspects of the Communication concerning company social responsibility. The Green Book, the Communication and the Council Resolution represent an attempt to promote a new company approach at European level which must be in accordance with the Union’s objectives.