Activism transforms corporate assemblies in Europe for social and environmental justice.

In the midst of a growing concern for the environment and social rights, the shareholder assemblies of large European corporations are experiencing a significant transformation. Events that were once exclusively spaces for presenting results and making financial decisions have now become stages for activism and denunciation. The voices of activists and human rights defenders have begun to resonate in spaces where traditionally only executives and shareholders were heard, challenging the corporate narrative and exposing unsettling realities. In Berlin, lawyer Christian Schliemann-Radbruch is among the attendees at the annual meeting of Bayer AG, one of the most powerful corporations in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical sectors. The assembly has transformed into a crucial event not only for shareholders but also for those seeking justice and social accountability. The company's current situation, marked by a decline in stock prices and thousands of lawsuits related to the use of glyphosate, a herbicide associated with serious health issues, exemplifies the fragility of large corporations in the face of social pressure. Throughout the assembly, the interventions of experts and activists like Sarah Schneider from the NGO Misereor illustrate how personal stories can profoundly impact shareholders' judgments. Schneider carries the pain of families affected by the use of herbicides in soybean crops, such as the tragic case of Silvino Talavera, a Paraguayan boy who died after being exposed to glyphosate. Her account not only informs shareholders but also highlights the responsibility of companies for the lives and health of communities living near their operations. The resistance is not limited to Germany. In Madrid, during the Repsol shareholders' meeting, Celia, a young activist from Greenpeace, uses her speaking turn to question the business model of one of the country's most polluting companies. Her intervention confronts the apathy of the corporate audience but resonates within a broader context of activism and resistance against climate change and resource exploitation. The response from Repsol executives, defending their commitment to sustainability, contrasts sharply with the reality faced by many citizens daily, creating a clash of perspectives in the corporate space. Shareholder assemblies have seen an increase in the participation of activists who have learned to infiltrate these events as a strategy to amplify their voices. The European association Shareholders for Change has played a crucial role in this process, empowering critical shareholders who seek to incorporate issues of human rights, fiscal justice, and the environment into the corporate agenda. This shareholder activism has demonstrated that it is possible to challenge large companies from within, creating spaces for negotiation and debate over business practices. The origins of this movement date back to the 1960s and 70s in the United States, where social pressure became a determining factor in corporate decision-making. Now, this approach has crossed the Atlantic and solidified in Europe, where activist interventions are gaining visibility and relevance. Companies that once operated with a sense of impunity are being compelled to account for themselves before an increasingly informed public concerned about the social and environmental impact of their operations. Responses to these interventions have varied. While some companies offer promises of change and improvement, these statements are often perceived as mere empty words. However, the fact that executives are being forced to respond to activists' concerns is a clear indication of a shift in the power dynamic. Social pressure is beginning to shape corporate strategies and redefine what it means to be a responsible company. The stories of Silvino Talavera and others affected by harmful business practices are becoming increasingly present in the corporate narrative. This not only generates emotional impact but also sets a precedent regarding corporate responsibility towards communities that may be harmed by their products. Companies are starting to realize that their reputation and long-term success depend on their ability to operate ethically and responsibly. Shareholder activism seeks not only immediate changes but also aims to foster a broader dialogue about the role of money in our lives. The Ethical Finance Foundation in Spain, for example, has committed to promoting investments that respect human rights and the environment. This resonates with the growing demand from the public for transparency and accountability from companies at all levels. Ultimately, what is happening in these shareholder assemblies reflects a broader change in society. As environmental and social concerns become increasingly urgent, the pressure on corporations to take meaningful action will intensify. The actions of activists in power spaces like shareholder meetings are a first step towards transforming an economic system that has so far prioritized profits over people and the planet. This new paradigm, in which money becomes a vehicle for social change, has the potential to reconfigure the relationship between citizens, corporations, and the environment.