The recent financial crisis has once again stressed the importance of good corporate governance and corporate social responsibility in building trust in the European internal market. It has given rise to a discussion of whether a number of issues should be addressed through regulation or soft law at EU level. These issues relate in particular to the duties of directors in European companies as well as how the board of directors is composed and structured. Drawing attention first to duties of directors and then to the organisation of the board, this appropriately timed analysis takes stock of the status of the initiatives that have been debated so far,examines whether the rules which have been adopted form a coherent system, and suggests ways in which these initiatives affect national law. Topics covered include the following: directors' conflicts of interest; rules on shareholder transparency; duty to promote active ownership; whether it is possible to find a balance between corporate enterprise and risk control; integration of environmental and social concerns in the decision-making of the company; the board's role as a monitor of management; overcoming managerial deficiencies; the concept of independent directors; independence from a controlling shareholder; nomination of board members; disqualification of directors; and directors duties in groups of companies.

This Commentary is the first comprehensive work to analyse the revised EU Shareholder Rights Directive (SRD II). SRD II sets a new agenda for engaged shareholders and sustainable companies in the EU, sparking a wider debate on the adoption of duties in company and capital markets law. By providing a systematic and thorough framework for analysis, this Commentary evaluates the purpose and aims of SRD II and further enriches the debate on the usefulness of the EU's drive to encourage long-term shareholder engagement. Key features include: article-by-article analysis of each of the provisions as adopted in the revised SRD II contribution to the ongoing discussions on shareholder rights and duties anticipated to be at the centre of debate for years to come detailed explanation by leading scholars in the field to ensure complete understanding of each SRD II provision for the reader exploration of the two pillars of shareholder engagement: the facilitation of shareholder rights and improved communication to bridge procedural gaps and implementation of transparency obligations applicable to companies, investors and service providers. This Commentary will be a key resource for legal practitioners, legislators, scholars and students alike, working in the fields of corporate governance, alternative dispute resolution and financial law.

A heavily debated topic, the evolution of shareholders' duties risks the transformation of the very concept of shareholder primacy, crucially associated with shareholder rights. Offering a distinctive and comprehensive examination of both current and forthcoming enforcement mechanisms in the area of shareholder duties, this timely book provides an exhaustive analysis of the many issues related to these mechanisms, and considers the ongoing challenges surrounding their implementation. Enforcing Shareholders' Duties is unique in critically challenging the revised Shareholder Rights Directive as well as other legal provisions. Adopting a holistic view of the possible enforcement issues shareholders may face in company law, it argues for a measured approach in the design of such enforcement mechanisms and for a careful consideration of the effects of a legal interventionist approach. Astute and engaging chapters provide arguments and recommendations for future regulatory initiatives aimed at ensuring shareholders will remain incentivised to invest in companies, whilst still assuming their responsibilities. Students and researchers with an interest in financial and corporate law, particularly from a policy and governance angle, will find this book an important resource. Its focus on the emerging agenda surrounding the enforcement of shareholders' duties ensure it is also highly relevant for legislators, policymakers, and practitioners. Contributors include: A. Anand, H.S. Birkmose, J. Borg-Barthet, I.H.-Y. Chiu, M. Gargantini, E. Howell, C. Malberti, M. Neville, J. Payne, C. Puska