Eyes on the Prize: European CEOs’ ESG Priorities for 2025
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C-Suite Outlook

Eyes on the Prize: European CEOs’ ESG Priorities for 2025

/ Report

Europe’s environmental, social & governance (ESG) landscape is becoming increasingly unpredictable. Once defined by policy stability—especially in ESG regulations, the Green Deal, and 2050 climate-neutral goals—shifting priorities now raise questions about Europe’s road ahead. This report, based on a survey of business leaders in Europe by The Conference Board, outlines key ESG priorities for CEOs for 2025, providing a strategic roadmap for the coming year.

Key Insights

Europe’s environmental, social & governance (ESG) landscape is becoming increasingly unpredictable. Once defined by policy stability—especially in ESG regulations, the Green Deal, and 2050 climate-neutral goals—shifting priorities now raise questions about Europe’s road ahead. This report, based on a survey of business leaders in Europe by The Conference Board, outlines key ESG priorities for CEOs for 2025, providing a strategic roadmap for the coming year.

Key Insights

  • CEOs in Europe rank sustainability and ESG regulations and disclosure as the most significant external high-impact ESG factors affecting their business in 2025, followed by climate risk.
  • CEOs in Europe place carbon neutrality, waste and circular economy, and renewable energy at the top of their environmental priorities for the coming year.
  • Labor rights, education, and economic opportunity are the primary social concerns for CEOs in Europe. Despite backlash against diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) in specific regions, gender equality remains a key focus in Europe, with business leaders ranking as the fourth-highest social priority.
  • Demographic changes, rapid advances in AI technology, shifts in consumer behaviors, and political polarization are among the high-impact societal concerns for CEOs in Europe.

Authors

Evi Angelidou

Evi Angelidou Evi Angelidou

Program Director, Advisory, International
The Conference Board

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Anuj Saush

Anuj Saush Anuj Saush

Head, TCB Advisory International
The Conference Board

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Ioannis Siskos

Ioannis Siskos Ioannis Siskos

Senior Research Fellow, Governance & Sustainabilit…
The Conference Board

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Manali Paranjpe

Manali Paranjpe Manali Paranjpe

Program Director, Governance & Sustainability Cent…
The Conference Board

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