The EU officially recognises the VSME sustainability reporting standard

Why this matters for your business

Until now, sustainability reporting has mainly been associated with big companies and complex obligations. But as an SME, you're increasingly being asked about your impact by banks, investors, customers or suppliers.

What are you doing to reduce your CO₂ emissions? How do you handle human rights or waste? And where are your opportunities to improve?

The problem? These questions come in all shapes and formats. ESG checklists, supply chain surveys, tender requirements, investor requests. They’re all slightly different, and answering them takes up valuable time.

With the official recognition of the VSME Standard, there’s now a clear and reliable framework for SMEs. It helps you give consistent, professional answers to sustainability questions, without thick reports or complicated systems. Just practical tools and clear language, focused on what matters.

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Who is the VSME standard for?

Whether you're driven by purpose, like many B Corps and mission-led businesses, or simply want to handle ESG requests more efficiently, the VSME standard brings structure, clarity and direction.

Want to position your business as truly sustainable? This European framework helps you back that up with facts. It reduces the risk of vague claims and shows stakeholders that you’re serious. If you say you're sustainable, then publishing a clear report every year should just be part of how you do business.

One standard across the EU saves you time, avoids duplication, and makes life easier for you and your stakeholders.

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What the VSME Standard includes

The standard is designed for companies with fewer than 250 employees. It offers two reporting options:

• The Basic module is for businesses that are just getting started with sustainability. It focuses on key topics in a compact and straightforward format.
• The Comprehensive module is designed for companies with more experience or when stakeholders request more detailed reporting. It covers strategy, policies and progress over time.

You decide what fits your situation. No extra complexity if you don’t need it. But if you're ready for more depth, the comprehensive module gives you precisely that.

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Say goodbye to scattered questionnaires

Many entrepreneurs are still buried in ESG questionnaires from banks, clients or auditors, all slightly different. The VSME Standard brings structure and clarity. The goal is for banks and business partners across the EU to start using this single framework. That saves you time, reduces duplication, and builds trust in your sustainability efforts.

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Eevery’s VSME reporting tool

Using Eevery? Then you’re already ahead. Our platform is fully aligned with the new VSME Standard. With our reporting tool, you go through the entire process step by step. No hassle, no prior knowledge needed.

Here’s how it works:

1. Gather your data: You start with a clear checklist. It shows you exactly what information you need.
2. Complete the questionnaire: Together with one of our account managers, you go through the questionnaire. It’s entirely based on the official VSME Standard. We guide you through it; you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
3. Generate your report: Once everything is filled in, you receive a professional PDF report with one click. Ready to share with banks, clients or other stakeholders.

Learn more about our VSME reporting tool

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Shape a Sustainable Future

With this EU recognition, there’s now a clear, accessible and official roadmap for small businesses that want to report on sustainability. Don’t miss this opportunity. Work with a standard that fits your business and build towards a future-proof company, one step at a time.