A single, nostalgic chair stands empty: a call to take ownership and stay for the long run. We hope, like this chair, you're still here. Because we are, ready to move forward together. Photography source: Ramsés Cervantes on Unsplash
Sustainability reporting is entering a new phase. Pressure to comply may soften, but stakeholder expectations continue to rise. This is a chance for companies to take ownership of their narrative and report with intention. Those who keep showing up clearly, consistently and voluntarily, will stand out, raising the bar for everyone else.
Over the last few years, sustainability reporting in Europe has been gaining momentum. Companies are adapting to new frameworks, setting up processes, and preparing for deeper transparency. A sense of direction has been guiding business leaders.
Now, based on social and mainstream media footprints, it seems that the tone is shifting.
The European Commission is calling for simplification and signaling flexibility. The so-called omnibus package suggests lighter requirements for some companies, extended phase-in periods, and reduced granularity in certain disclosures.
Some companies are relieved. Others are unsure whether to pause or proceed.
If you are leading a business, small or large, here’s what we believe: this is the moment to step forward - not out of obligation, but out of conviction - signaling to your stakeholders that you stand for transparency and accountability. This is exactly the right moment to take ownership of sustainability.
The European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) are not just compliance tools. They are unfinished and ever evolving scripts. A chance to declare what you stand for, what you struggle with, and how you intend to meet the social and environmental challenges of our time.
When used intentionally, the ESRS offer companies a chance to say:
Sustainability reporting forces companies to ask themselves a simple question: what truly matters to our business and stakeholders? This process helps strip away the distractions and bring focus. It is not about doing everything. It is about choosing what matters most, and making that resonate clearly in strategy and reporting alike.
Trust is built when you show up consistently and honestly, even when answers are not as good and clear as you wished they were. With regulatory pressure easing, companies that continue to show up will stand out. Being transparent about both achievements and challenges sends a powerful message: a commitment to sustainability is not driven by obligation, but by genuine intent. It is this authenticity that will retain stakeholder confidence and attract those who seek to partner with organizations that tackle difficult questions and take ownership of their journey.
Stakeholders place greater value on authenticity, reinforcing the value of telling an honest narrative. One that reflects where we have been, but also where we are heading. Reports that connects ambition with measurable impact position sustainability not as a side effort, but as a driver of long-term business growth. In this context, a voluntarily crafted report becomes a strategic asset that builds trust, unlocks value, and reinforces your leadership. The most authentic stories don’t need to have clean endings: they need direction and purpose.