What is the 2026 Omnibus Package for ESG reporting?
The Omnibus Package is an EU simplification package from February 2026, which eases CSRD reporting requirements for many companies and raises thresholds. For SMEs, this means fewer businesses will fall directly under CSRD regulations; however, indirect requirements across the supply chain remain in place. Consequently, the VS standard is gaining further traction as a voluntary, lightweight ESG framework.
What is included in the 2026 Omnibus Package?
In February 2026, the so-called Omnibus Package was finally adopted (Directive (EU) 2026/470) – a bundle of simplification measures that significantly eases corporate requirements under the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) and the CSDDD (Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive).
What changes does the Omnibus Package bring to CSRD?
An overview of the key changes:
• Thresholds increased: CSRD now only applies to companies with more than 1,000 employees and over €450 million in net turnover (previously 250 employees, €50 million in turnover or €25 million in balance sheet total)
• Fewer affected companies: Around 80–90% fewer companies than originally planned are subject to reporting
• Timeline: Companies with 250–1,000 employees drop out of the obligation entirely; the remaining second-wave companies report for the first time in 2028 for the 2027 financial year
• Value-Chain-Cap: As a rule, companies subject to CSRD reporting may not request data beyond the VS standard from companies with up to 1,000 employees
What does the Omnibus Package mean for SMEs?
For companies with up to 1,000 employees, the Omnibus Package means relief – they are exempt from direct CSRD reporting obligations. However, indirect pressure continues to mount: major clients, banks, and investors still require ESG data. The VS standard is explicitly designed as the reporting format to address these enquiries.
Why is a VS report still highly beneficial for SMEs?
Even without statutory obligations, SMEs benefit significantly from publishing a VS report:
• Credit conditions: Banks incorporate ESG ratings into their lending (EBA guidelines)
• Supply chain compliance: CSRD-compliant corporate clients demand standardised ESG data
• Competitive edge: ESG-active SMEs win more procurement contracts
• Funding & grants: Several public funding schemes require evidence of sustainability performance
With ESG Lift, SMEs can generate a fully VS-compliant sustainability report in just 1–3 hours – ready to satisfy all external ESG reporting enquiries from banks, clients, and investors.
The EU Omnibus Package 2026 explained: Key changes for CSRD reporting obligations, what this means for SMEs, and why the VS standard remains highly relevant.