The annual general meeting (AGM) is the cornerstone of shareholder democracy and an essential part of sound corporate governance. Not only are AGMs the place where shareholders get to vote on key decisions, it is also the only time board members and management are held to account, having to answer directly to their shareholders and report on their performance and decisions. In 2020 the Corona pandemic and the ensuing stringent limitations to gatherings of people and freedom of movement, had a dramatic impact on AGMs across Europe and the world.
Together with its German Member organisation DSW, BETTER FINANCE investigated how selected EU Member States reacted to the Corona pandemic with regard to the general meetings of listed companies and how the measures taken in each case have been perceived by shareholders.