International Corporate Governance Network (ICGN) argues obstacles remain to shareholder rights in the EU and calls for more harmonisation of rules.

Open, honest dialogue and advocating good governance were key to working together, the ICGN conference heard.

Avoid virtual-only annual general meetings: although pragmatic in an emergency, they water down shareholders’ rights.

Virtual-only AGMs can damage shareholders’ rights and reduce accountability, according to the International Corporate Governance Network.

Investors play a vital role in holding boards to account—and well-governed companies safeguard the long-term interests of all stakeholders.

European Commission looks to manage and tighten shareholder information rules across the EU.

Amendments to Georgia’s Law on Entrepreneurs impose new requirements for single-member companies and strengthen the pre-emption rights of shareholders.

An update to the Sapin II Law in France aims to improve transparency in business activity, including executive pay, as well as combat corporate corruption.

Institute of Directors argues for a 30% threshold to provide shareholders with a second vote against pay reports.

The Christmas period saw governance developments on RBS, FTSE 350 executive pay, Tata Sons and commitment to ESG policies by the CEO of Bank of America.