The issuer must publish its annual financial report no later than four months after the end of each financial year and ensure it remains publicly available for at least 10 years. The report must comprise: the audited financial statements; the management report; and statements by the persons responsible within the issuer, naming their functions, that the accounts give a true and fair view and that the management report fairly reviews development, performance, position and principal risks and uncertainties, and, where appropriate, is prepared in accordance with sustainability reporting standards (Article 29b Directive 2013/34/EU) and specifications under Article 8(4) Regulation (EU) 2020/852.

Financial statements shall be audited in accordance with Directive 2013/34/EU and Directive 2006/43/EC, with the audit report disclosed in full; where applicable an assurance opinion and assurance report on sustainability reporting must also be disclosed. Consolidated accounts and parent company accounts are required where the Seventh Directive and Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 apply. The Commission will adopt implementing measures, may adapt the five‑year period referred to in paragraph 1, and ESMA shall develop and submit draft RTS for a single electronic reporting format by 31 December 2016; the Commission is delegated to adopt those RTS and Member States may defer application to financial years beginning 1 January 2021 if notified by 19 March 2021.