As companies subject to the European CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) begin to publish their first sustainability reports, the French Institute of Directors (IFA) surveyed 150 of its members — board directors and board secretaries from wave 1, 2, and 3 companies.

This analysis report summarises the findings of the survey, conducted in May 2025. It highlights how board members are responding to this new regulatory requirement, which many consider to be a major transformation of corporate governance.

Both companies that have already published their first report and those still preparing it have provided valuable and mixed feedback.

IFA's summary of the survey focuses on:
• The level of involvement of boards in developing their company's sustainability strategy and sustainability report,
• The perceived benefits of the process, both in terms of governance and stakeholder engagement,
• The obstacles and difficulties encountered,
• The varying adoption dynamics observed across the three waves of companies subject to CSRD.

Drawing on the perspectives of board members and board secretaries, this analysis aims to share practical insights and contribute to the collective reflection on sustainability challenges.