Press Release: Corporate governance: Directive on shareholders’ rights formally adopted

The European Commission has welcomed the Council's formal adoption of the Directive on the exercise of shareholders' rights, which means that the Directive is now officially part of EU law. This key measure will enable shareholders of listed companies throughout the European Union to exercise their rights and have their say. The formal adoption follows agreement at first reading by the Council and the European Parliament in February 2007. Member States now have two years to implement the Directive in their national laws.