From Regulation to Responsibility: Who Will Lead Europe’s Green Agenda Now

In a compelling guest post for ESG Today, Sherry Madera, CEO of CDP, argues that the European Union's proposed rollback of green regulations threatens to undermine years of progress in sustainability and economic resilience.

This concern is amplified by US stepping back and by recent developments where French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have called for the elimination of the EU's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). 

The current regulatory headwinds facing sustainability in the EU mark a notable shift from the momentum built in recent years. While the rollback of key policies may introduce delays or uncertainty, the underlying challenges—climate change, environmental degradation, and social inequity—remain urgent and unrelenting. In this evolving landscape, the responsibility increasingly shifts to companies, investors, and broader stakeholders to uphold and advance sustainability goals, even in the absence of stringent mandates.

The hope is that the progress made thus far has instilled a deep enough understanding of the risks and opportunities to continue driving informed, future-focused decisions. The business case for sustainability is strong, the societal implications are well-documented, and the need for action is unequivocal.  I hope the absence of regulation will not become an excuse for inaction. After all, we are beyond the stage of needing to remind ourselves that there is no "Plan B"—this planet is the only one we’ve got.

For more information on how Intertek can support you with your ESG goals visit ESG Assurance.