Dear companies, members and partners of the Economy for the Common Good (ECOnGOOD),
We are writing to inform you about important developments regarding the Common Good Balance Sheet, the ECOnGOOD Label, and changes to the audit process in light of upcoming European sustainability communication regulations, including the Empowering Consumers Directive (EU 2024/825) and the proposed Green Claims Directive.
Over the past 18 months, the International Federation, the umbrella organisation of the ECOnGOOD movement, has assessed these developments with stakeholders across the organisation. We support the intent of these regulations to ensure sustainability claims are transparent, credible, and independently verifiable.
Following this review, the International Federation has concluded that it will not transition into an accredited certification or standard-setting body. This would require significant structural, legal, and organisational changes that are not aligned with its role, capacity, governance model, or strategic priorities.
At the same time, stakeholders within the movement, particularly the auditors, are actively developing certification and accreditation-based solutions that may provide pathways for organisations seeking externally recognised sustainability verification in the future. The International Federation is not leading or responsible for this work and cannot at this stage assess its future direction or potential outcomes, but we acknowledge its importance as an independent initiative. We welcome and value these efforts, and we recognise the expertise, experience and commitment being contributed by the auditors in this process. Further information on their current statement and work can be found here: English translation | German original.
As a result, from September 2026 onwards, the International Federation will no longer offer an audit process, ECOnGOOD Label, or Common Good Balance Sheet for external sustainability claims or consumer-facing communication within the EU or worldwide. Organisations should therefore not assume that results, scores, or labels issued under the current framework can be used externally after new rules take effect.
Our commitment to the Common Good Matrix and its values remains unchanged. We continue to support it as a framework for organisational learning, strategic development, and societal transformation, and will help organisations use it for reflection, improvement, and impact.
We are bringing this discussion to our membership for broader dialogue. Any future direction must reflect both the needs of organisations seeking certification pathways and the legal and strategic realities of the movement.
We recognise and sincerely regret the uncertainty and practical difficulties this may create, especially for organisations currently undertaking or having completed a Common Good Balance Sheet. We remain committed to supporting members through this transition and communicating openly as developments continue.
The pathways towards an Economy for the Common Good are diverse. The International Federation remains committed to systemic change, supporting organisations in their transformation journeys, strengthening collaboration, and advocating for broader economic change at national and international levels.
Thank you for your trust and continued commitment to building an Economy for the Common Good.
Sincerely,
The International Federation of the Economy for the Common Good
