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

28 February 2025 / Report

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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

Program Director, ESG Center, Europe
The Conference Board

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Anuj Saush

ESG Center Leader, Europe
The Conference Board

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Ioannis Siskos

Senior Research Fellow, Environmental, Social & Go…
The Conference Board

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Manali Paranjpe

Program Director, ESG Center, Europe
The Conference Board

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