The EU's Shareholder Empowerment Model in the Context of the Sustainable Companies Agenda

Abstract

This article examines the current EU company law policy promoting shareholder engagement in the context of the Sustainable Companies Agenda. It suggests that affording greater power to shareholders and encouraging greater engagement may not advance the Agenda unless shareholders anticipate a direct personal financial benefit. The article also raises the possibility that such a policy could impede progress by the adoption by shareholders of a short-termist approach to the company’s operations.