Europe’s Sustainability momentum is shifting - What forward looking companies should so now.
Europe is entering a new phase in its sustainability journey. While the ambition of the EU Green Deal remains intact, the political and economic landscape is changing fast. Regulatory timelines are being adjusted, industrial competitiveness is under pressure, and energy remains structurally more expensive than in competing regions. These developments create uncertainty but also a window of opportunity for companies that choose to lead.
Observations: A more realistic, yet more challenging context
1. Momentum behind the EU Green Deal is faltering
➩ The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) are being delayed and softened. The EU’s 2040 climate target has been confirmed, but it is now subject to review every two years. The long-term direction remains clear, yet the pathway has become more fluid.
2. Europe faces structural economic challenges
➩ High energy prices, both fossil and renewable, continue to burden European industry. At the same time, declining industrial competitiveness and the need for increased defense spending place additional pressure on governments and companies alike.
3. Climate goals lack realistic roadmaps
➩ The EU has set bold targets, but most industries still lack credible implementation plans. In that sense, a dose of realism is overdue. The current recalibration can help create more feasible, economically grounded transition pathways.
4. Compliance-driven companies will slow down
➩ For organisations that only pursued sustainability because regulation demanded it, lower compliance pressure will trigger a pause. These companies will wait, delay investments, and “see where things land.”
Our point of view: This is the moment for strategic advantage
1. Intrinsically motivated companies will push ahead
➩ The companies that truly believe in sustainable value creation are not scaling back—they are doubling down. They recognise sustainability as a driver of innovation, margin improvement, and strategic resilience.
2. Now is the time to build durable competitive advantage
➩ With competitors hesitating, the leaders of tomorrow are differentiating today. Companies that align sustainability with profitability rather than treating it as a compliance cost will secure long-term advantage in markets, supply chains, and customer relationships.
3. Triceps and N0Mconnect are ready to support this transition
➩ At Triceps and N0Mconnect, we work with organisations that aim for profitable sustainability: strategies that are economically sound, operationally realistic, and environmentally meaningful.
We support leaders in shaping roadmaps, mobilising organisations, and unlocking value in the transition.
CONCLUSION
Europe’s sustainability landscape is entering a more complex, more strategic era. Progress will depend not on regulation alone, but on the companies willing to chart their own path to sustainable profitability. If your organisation intends to lead - Now is the time.
Over Triceps & N0Mconnect
Wij geloven in open en eerlijk samenwerken. Uitdagingen worden kansen als je team het échte verhaal kent en samen durft te bouwen. Juist bij duurzame initiatieven is er geen ruimte voor ruis of gedoe. Dan moeten processen staan als een huis.
Daarom helpen wij ondernemers niet alleen om te groeien, maar om dat te doen op een manier die blijft werken ook als het spannend wordt.
We begrijpen de dynamiek van jonge scale-ups, maar ook de complexiteit van gevestigde bedrijven en investeerders die op zoek zijn naar toekomstvaste waarde.
Praktisch, Persoonlijk en Resultaatgericht
Marc A. Timmermans
Evolving Ideas into Results
Wouter Jongepier
Bridging Strategy & Execution