Weber Shandwick’s Post

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Useful messages here on maintaining momentum with the European Green Deal from leading European companies.

📢📃Incredibly proud to share with you our business agenda for the new European institutions: The Green Deal and Beyond: A Business Agenda for a Sustainable, Competitive and Resilient Europe, supported by our partners, We Mean Business Coalition. In this new Corporate Leaders Groups #CLGEurope publication we present our recommendations for the incoming institutions on achieving a climate neutral and nature positive economy. This goal can only be achieved with policies built upon the European Green Deal that push Europe to be more competitive, resilient, just, and trusted: 🏭An Industrial Deal that recognizes the EU’s industrial base and export orientation. 💼An Economic Deal that leverages the EU’s strong public services and resilient infrastructures. 🤝A Social Deal that upholds Europe’s tradition of social cohesion and inclusiveness. 🏛️A Political Deal that embodies the EU’s values of liberal democracy, accountability, and long-term political vision. At our launch today, we were ably moderated by Kira Taylor, with a host of inspiring speakers including Lindsay Hooper, Andrew Prag, Teresa Ribera, Third Vice-President of the Government of Spain and Minister for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, Ralf Pfitzner, Sören Buttkereit, Jakop Dalunde, Gonzalo Saenz de Miera, Riccardo Maggi, DG CLIMA, Viktoria Karsberg ♦️, Martin Hojsik, Natasha Lepage, Adam Elman and a rousing speech to close from Sandrine Dixson-Declève. More to come from us on the conclusions - but broadly huge support for the approach, including the critical need to tackle the social dimensions. 🔗Read the full publication here: https://bit.ly/4b5NAyi 🙌Big thanks to our consultants, the reviewers and the interviewees for their assistance in crafting this business agenda (and indeed Krisztina Zálnoky who kicked if off), and to the team who has worked so hard in leading on the publication and the event: Adeline Rochet, Roger Martinez-Dolz, Francesco Giannelli, Andrés Charry (He/Him), Alí El Majjaoui, Gumru Aliyeva, Aurore Cupers, Dominic Tscherny, Max Moser, Diāna Potjomkina, Martina Mazzini, Zoe Kalus, Maisie Ormrod, Maeve Campbell.. and i'm sure I've missed a few!

Yesterday, CLG Europe launched their business agenda for the new European institutions: The Green Deal and Beyond: A Business Agenda for a Sustainable, Competitive and Resilient Europe. It was a wonderful experience to co-author the report and present at the launch event in Brussels. Key learnings for me: - Most topics that are portrayed as trade-offs in the public debate are actually symbiotic (e.g., wellbeing AND resource protection, food security AND nature regeneration, jobs AND industrial transformation) - The Green Deal has provided an important vision, and now we need a "bigger deal" to make Europe more competitive, resilient, just, and trusted - The name "Green Deal" was great in 2019 but now leads to identity-fuelled stand-offs. Let's keep the content but use a different name going forward - We have to become much better at showcasing and communicating the tangible benefits of a sustainable transformation - and be more open about the challenges it brings (change is always uncomfortable) 🔗To learn more, read the full publication here: https://bit.ly/4b5NAyi Thanks for the collaboration to Ralf Pfitzner, Francesco Giannelli, Adeline Rochet, Krisztina Zálnoky, Ursula Woodburn, Martin Porter, Sanna Markkanen, Romain Pardo (and many more) and to the many leaders who generously shared their views and experience with us.

****TGIF-content post no. 158****   Today: A Competitiveness Compass for the European Union    🇪🇺 Launch of a Competitive Compass Yesterday, the EU officially launched its Competitive Compass, an initiative aimed at regaining its competitiveness and securing long-term prosperity. This strategy is designed to safeguard the future of the EU as an economic powerhouse.  The Compass is based on the Draghi Report, commissioned by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.   📽️ Closing the Innovation Gap The EU’s startup and scale-up strategy aims to help companies overcome obstacles that hinder their growth. The European Innovation Act aims at supporting businesses in becoming more innovative by granting them access to intellectual property, research, technology infrastructure, and innovative "sandboxes."   📜 Regulatory Simplification The CSRD will remain a key component of reporting. However, the Commission aims to reduce the reporting burden through upcoming omnibus packages, which will simplify sustainable finance reporting (CSRD), due diligence (CSDDD), and EU Taxonomy requirements.  The Commission aims to reduce the reporting burden by at least 25% for all the companies and at least 35% for the small-and-medium sized businesses (SMEs).  A new definition of small mid-caps (bigger than SMEs but smaller than large companies) will be proposed to provide tailored regulatory simplifications.   🛣️ A joint roadmap for decarbonisation and competitiveness Europe remains committed to its goal of becoming a fully decarbonized economy by 2050. To facilitate this shift toward clean production and a circular economy, the EU plans to reward early movers with measures like low-carbon product labels, mandates in public procurement, and various incentives. The Clean Industrial Deal will promote clean technologies and decarbonized manufacturing. Additionally, the Circular Economy Act will stimulate resource efficiency across industries.     ⚔️ Reducing excessive dependencies and increasing security The EU will focus on diversifying and strengthening partnerships to reduce dependencies on external actors. A forthcoming White Paper on the Future of European Defense will outline strategies to counter potential external threats and enhance the EU's security.      💚 #Sustainability #Team #climatetechnology #Management #Climate #Nature #EuropeanCommission #CompetitivenessCompass #EuropeanUnion #EU   Source: https://bit.ly/40Di8UJ

🌱 Sustainability Transformation Monitor @ Deutscher Bundestag 🌍 Last week, we had the privilege of presenting the findings of our #SustainabilityTransformationMonitor (STM) to political stakeholders at the Deutscher Bundestag. Dr. Manuel Reppmann and me presented some of the key findings, moderated by Philipp Wesemann. Kristina Jeromin shared potential implications for politics, e.g.: ▶️ Advocating for Harmonisation: A German voice to advocate for the harmonisation and interlinkage of existing regulations at the EU level, including #Taxonomy, #CSRD, #SFDR, #ESRS, and #CSDDD. ▶️ Governmental Investment Strategy: A comprehensive governmental investment strategy, coupled with phasing out unsustainable subsidies and grants. ▶️ Sector-specific Reporting Standards: Establishing sector-specific reporting standards and transition pathways. ▶️ Incentive Systems for Sustainable Investments: Regulatory-supported incentive systems, like bonus-malus regulations, to incentivize sustainable investments and appropriately price in the higher medium to long-term risk associated with unsustainable investments. The STM, made possible by Stiftung Mercator GmbH and Bertelsmann Stiftung in collaboration with Universität Hamburg and Peer School for Sustainable Development e.V., offers deep insights into the sustainability transformation in companies. A heartfelt thank you to Members of Parliament for their active engagement, and special appreciation to Dr. Sandra Detzer and Katharina Beck for graciously hosting us. Would you like to dive deeper into the report (in German)? You find the link in the comments. 🌿 #SustainabilityTransformation #Germany #SustainableBusiness #PolicyImplications

📢 Call for Change! The EU Preparatory Action 'Innovation for Place-Based Transformation' (2024-2026) is here to elevate transformative innovation in European regions. This initiative is set to empower policy practitioners, build capacity, and spark experimental approaches for sustainability challenges. ⏳ Apply by 22 November 2024! Who can join? Public authorities from EU Member States, Candidate Countries, and Horizon Europe Associated Countries are welcome. 🔗 Read more and apply: [link] #Innovation #EUAction #TransformativePolicies #Sustainability

🚀 Exciting Development in Europe's Green Future: Net-Zero Industry Act Approved! 🌱 End May, the Council has taken a monumental step by adopting the regulation to establish a robust framework for Europe's net-zero technology manufacturing ecosystem, better known as the 'Net-Zero Industry Act'. This marks the final step in the decision-making process. Key Highlights: 🔹 Boosting Green Technologies: The act aims to propel the deployment of essential net-zero technologies to meet the EU's climate goals, reinforcing Europe’s leadership in industrial green technologies. 🔹 Simplified Processes: Strategic projects will benefit from simplified permit-granting processes, easier market access, enhanced workforce skills through net-zero industry academies, and coordinated EU action. 🔹 Fostering Innovation: Introduction of 'regulatory sandboxes' will create favorable conditions for developing and validating innovative technologies. 🔹 Ambitious Targets: By 2040, Europe aims to have a manufacturing capacity for net-zero technologies to meet 40% of the EU’s needs and achieve a 15% share of global production. 🔹 Strategic Autonomy & Growth: This act will not only contribute to the fight against climate change but also reduce dependencies, reinforce strategic autonomy, and create growth and jobs across Europe. As Jo Brouns, Minister of Flanders for Economy, Innovation, Work, Social Economy and Agriculture, highlights, this act is pivotal for Europe to lead the global race for green technologies and ensure a sustainable future. Next Steps: With the Council's approval, the legislative act will be signed and published in the Official Journal of the European Union, entering into force on the day of its publication. Stay tuned as Europe moves forward in its journey towards climate neutrality and industrial competitiveness with the Net-Zero Industry Act paving the way! 🌍💚 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eW_eeNMu #NetZero #GreenTechnology #EU #ClimateAction #Sustainability #Innovation #IndustrialPolicy

Europe’s Competitive Edge? Sustainability. The European Commission has just unveiled its Competitiveness Compass, and the message is clear: sustainability and economic strength are inseparable. This marks a fundamental shift—resilience, revenue protection, and innovation aren’t trade-offs, they’re the strategy. For too long, businesses have been caught in the tension between protecting revenue, growing relationships, building resilience, and fostering innovation for regeneration—the core dynamics of Concept Zero’s Decision Balance Paradigm (DBP). But this announcement confirms what leading companies already know: those investing in decarbonisation and sustainable supply chains aren’t just mitigating risk, they’re defining future markets. 🥡 Key Takeaways: 🌍 Clean Industrial Deal – Decarbonising heavy industry while staying competitive. 📑 Regulatory Simplification – Cutting red tape, saving €37.5 billion over five years. 🚀 Innovation Boost – AI, biotech, quantum—big bets on Europe’s tech leadership. 🏛 Public Procurement Shift – Strengthening EU industries, reducing reliance on external players. 📊 CSRD Adjustments – Acknowledging reporting burdens while maintaining transparency. The cost of inaction? Supply chain shocks, energy volatility, regulatory hurdles, and shifting consumer expectations—all direct hits to the Decision Balance Paradigm (DBP) of businesses navigating an uncertain landscape. World Economic Forum warns that without decisive action, companies could see a 7% annual earnings decline by 2035—the equivalent of a COVID-19-level disruption every two years. This isn’t just policy—it’s a market signal. Europe is moving, and businesses that align resilience, regeneration, and competitive advantage will lead the transition. ❓ How will this shape your strategy? 🔗 Read more: Official Commission Documentation https://lnkd.in/dEgeG3Cs 💡 Inspired by: Lubomila Jordanova and her post today https://lnkd.in/dB3RjXKS #SustainableGrowth #GreenCompetitiveness #Decarbonisation #ResilientBusiness #ClimateStrategy #FutureOfIndustry #RegenerativeEconomy #SupplyChainResilience #EUInnovation #CircularEconomy #NetZeroBusiness #CorporateSustainability #EnergyTransition #ESGLeadership #EconomicResilience #AIforSustainability #SustainabilityStrategy

🌍 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 As Europe strives to lead the global #sustainability agenda, aligning environmental goals with economic competitiveness is crucial. The 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐒𝐎’𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 latest Discussion Paper explores how #businesses, #policymakers, and #civil society can collaborate to tackle challenges and unlock opportunities, paving the way for a sustainable and thriving industrial future. 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐬𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 1️⃣ 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬: Include real-world insights through consultations and “practice checks.” 2️⃣ 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞: Ensure policies are actionable, phased, and foster shared learning. 3️⃣ 𝐔𝐩𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞: Build sectoral platforms and collaborations for impactful solutions. 4️⃣ 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲: Align EU policies with international frameworks for competitiveness. 5️⃣ 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Support businesses with investment frameworks and rewards for sustainable practices. Together, we can shape a sustainable and competitive future for European industries. 🔗 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞? https://lnkd.in/dpSwrKj4 #CSR #GreenTransition #Innovation #CSREurope #Engaged4Change #CSONetwork