In 2025, European ESG regulations are undergoing a major transformation aimed at simplifying compliance while preserving sustainability goals. The new Omnibus Simplification Package brings relief to SMEs and shifts focus toward impactful environmental and social initiatives.

EFRAG (European Financial Reporting Advisory Group) has released revised Exposure Drafts of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), launching a 60-day public consultation. These standards aim to reduce complexity while maintaining alignment with the European Green Deal and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

The European Union is gearing up to double its circularity rate by 2030 through the newly proposed Circular Economy Act. With a strong focus on e-waste and secondary raw materials, the Act aims to reshape the EU’s industrial landscape into a more sustainable and resilient system.

The European Parliament rejected the Commission’s country-risk classification system under the EU Deforestation Regulation. Lawmakers say the current approach relies on outdated data, lacks transparency, and fails to reflect actual deforestation risks.

The European Union has officially delayed the implementation of enhanced sustainability reporting rules for large companies by two years. This move gives businesses more time to prepare for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), but it also raises questions about the EU’s climate and transparency ambitions.

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has unveiled its first Climate Transition Plan, setting ambitious emissions reduction targets for 2027 and 2030. This move signals a strong internal alignment with the EU’s climate goals and sets a precedent for regulatory bodies across Europe.

The European Commission has proposed a new climate target: a 90% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, compared to 1990 levels. This ambitious move aims to solidify Europe’s leadership in clean energy, boost industrial innovation, and ensure a fair, resilient transition to climate neutrality by 2050.

The European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) is taking bold steps to simplify sustainability reporting by aiming to cut required datapoints in the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) by over 50%. This move is part of a broader EU initiative to ease compliance burdens while maintaining the integrity of corporate sustainability disclosures.

At the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen introduced the EU Ocean Pact, a bold initiative to restore marine ecosystems and support coastal communities. The pact sets ambitious goals for ocean health, climate resilience, and maritime industry competitiveness by 2030.

The European Commission has proposed a 90% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. The goal signals ambition, but EU countries remain split on how to make it happen.

The European Union is simplifying its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to ease the burden on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), while still covering 99% of emissions from high-carbon imports. This move balances administrative relief with environmental integrity, signaling a pragmatic shift in EU climate policy.

The European Commission is reviewing the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) to make it simpler, more effective, and less burdensome. A public consultation is now open to gather views on how to reshape the rules.

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has released draft technical standards to regulate ESG rating providers under a new EU regulation. These rules aim to bring greater consistency, transparency, and accountability to a rapidly growing industry that influences trillions in investment decisions.

The European Union's recent imposition of tariffs on U.S. goods marks a significant development in the ongoing trade tensions. This article delves into the specifics of the tariffs, their broader implications, and other key ESG updates.

The EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) has successfully reduced emissions in covered sectors by 50% since 2005. This achievement highlights the system's effectiveness in driving decarbonization across Europe.

The latest update from Wilson Sonsini's Sustainability and ESG Advisory Practice highlights significant regulatory and reporting developments in the ESG landscape. Key topics include the SEC's decision to end its defense of climate disclosure rules, the EPA's deregulatory actions, and updates to international ESG standards.

The EU Council has approved a delay in corporate sustainability reporting requirements until 2028. This decision is part of a broader effort to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses while maintaining the EU's commitment to sustainability.

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are key players in Europe’s sustainability transition but face challenges in accessing green finance. A proposed SME Sustainable Finance Standard aims to streamline financing processes, making it easier for SMEs to secure funding for sustainability efforts.

A recent collision between a U.S.-flagged oil tanker and a Portuguese-flagged cargo ship in the North Sea has raised significant environmental concerns. The incident resulted in a massive fire and fuel spill, highlighting the immediate need to improve current safety measures.

Despite the new U.S. administration's anti-ESG stance, CFOs remain committed to sustainability. A recent survey from BDO reveals that many companies plan to maintain or even increase their sustainability investments.