- Published at
Monday Morning Briefing CW 22, 2025
Key regulatory, market, and corporate developments shaping sustainability and ESG in Europe and beyond.
Table of Contents
- Regulatory News
- EU’s CSRD Reforms Gain Momentum
- Market Trends
- Europe’s Green Bond Market Holds Steady Amid Uncertainty
- ESG ETF Landscape Shows Signs of Consolidation
- Company News
- Adidas Publishes Updated Sustainability Strategy
- Renault Invests €500M in Battery Circularity
- Global & Local Initiatives
- France Launches Climate Label for Tourist Destinations
- Berlin Tests Climate Score for SMEs
- Outlook for the Week Ahead (May 26–June 1, 2025)
May 26, 2025
Regulatory News
EU’s CSRD Reforms Gain Momentum
The European Commission’s Omnibus I package continues to stir debate as it moves forward in the legislative process. With the proposed thresholds set at 1,000 employees and €50 million turnover, national governments are now responding with position papers and consultations on how to transpose the changes. The goal: streamline CSRD obligations while maintaining comparability and investor confidence.
Market Trends
Europe’s Green Bond Market Holds Steady Amid Uncertainty
Despite broader ESG market outflows, European green bond issuance remained strong in May, with over €35 billion issued year-to-date. Analysts note that investor demand for credible, use-of-proceeds instruments remains robust, particularly from sovereign and development bank issuers.
ESG ETF Landscape Shows Signs of Consolidation
Several large asset managers, including Amundi and DWS, announced plans to merge or delist underperforming ESG ETFs, citing shrinking inflows and higher scrutiny from regulators. The shift signals a move toward fewer but more credible ESG products with clear thematic exposure.
Company News
Adidas Publishes Updated Sustainability Strategy
Adidas released its 2025 sustainability update, committing to:
- Achieve 90% recycled materials in footwear and apparel
- Transition all operations to renewable electricity by 2027
- Improve supplier oversight via AI-driven audit tools
The company highlighted circular design and transparency in the supply chain as top priorities.
Renault Invests €500M in Battery Circularity
Renault Group announced a €500 million investment into a new battery recycling facility in northern France, targeting closed-loop recovery of lithium, cobalt, and nickel. The project supports EU goals of domestic critical raw material resilience.
Global & Local Initiatives
France Launches Climate Label for Tourist Destinations
The French government introduced the “Destination Climat” label, evaluating towns and regions on emissions, infrastructure, and biodiversity protection. The aim is to promote climate-conscious travel and fund local decarbonization initiatives through tourism revenue.
Berlin Tests Climate Score for SMEs
The city of Berlin launched a pilot ESG scoring system for small and medium-sized enterprises, helping them measure climate risks and financing gaps. Participating businesses receive a simplified ESG diagnostic tool developed in partnership with local banks and chambers of commerce.
Outlook for the Week Ahead (May 26–June 1, 2025)
- 🏛️ EFRAG Working Paper on Sector-Specific Standards expected
- 📊 Q1 ESG Performance Reports from ING, Schneider Electric, and Maersk
- 🗓️ EU Green Week 2025 kicks off May 29 with events focused on biodiversity and circular economy
- 💬 ICMA Annual Conference (May 30–31) to highlight developments in sustainable bond frameworks
Sources:
- A&O Shearman – EU Sustainability Omnibus Update
- S&P Global – Green Bond Market Trends
- Financial Times – ESG ETF Consolidation
- Adidas – 2025 Sustainability Update
- Reuters – Renault Battery Recycling Investment
- Le Monde – Climate Label for Tourism
- Tagesspiegel – Berlin SME ESG Scoring Pilot
- EFRAG, Company Reports, EU Commission, ICMA
This article was created with the assistance of AI and carefully reviewed, edited, and refined to ensure accuracy and clarity.