Financial reporting

This report analyzes the growing trend among countries in Europe and Central Asia (ECA) of issuing standalone corporate governance codes specifically for State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), a departure from OECD recommendations that SOEs should follow the same codes as listed private firms. Drawing on a sample of 29 ECA countries, the report examines the rationales for developing SOE-specific codes, compares their content with general corporate governance codes for listed companies across 20 thematic areas, and explores legal and regulatory alternatives.

The European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) have been translated into several languages to support the sustainability reporting reform agenda in EU accession countries. The translation is provided for informational purposes only and does not carry legal authority. The translation was performed by the World Bank’s Center for Financial and Sustainability Reporting Reform (CFRR) under its regional program, Enhancing Accounting, Auditing, and Sustainability Reporting Program (EAASURE).

The guide “Corporate Sector Financial and Sustainability Accounting, Reporting and Auditing in the EU Acquis Communautaire” is the fourth edition of the guide which was  first issued in 2007. It provides an overview of EU policy for policymakers, regulators, and stakeholders in Member States, enlargement countries, and the “European Neighborhood.” It is essential for understanding EU standards and regulatory models.