Driving change together: highlights from the European CSO Network meeting
The latest in-person European CSO Network meeting brought together senior sustainability leaders from across industries and policymakers to discuss key trends, regulatory developments, and practical insights shaping the future of corporate sustainability in Europe.
The meeting reaffirmed the Network’s mission and priorities for the year ahead: promoting dialogue, incentivizing action, and enabling professionals to exchange ideas on how to unlock business value through sustainability. Participants shared milestones from the past year, including significant contributions to regulatory consultations and collaborative engagement with EU institutions to advance sustainable business practices.
The key focus was the shift in mindset needed to move from mere compliance to value creation. Leading companies are increasingly embedding sustainability into core business strategies, highlighting the need for an EU incentives scheme to create market conditions that reward businesses leveraging sustainability as a driver for innovation. Discussions emphasized the importance of clear, forward-looking policies, consumer awareness, and enabling frameworks to accelerate the circular economy, decarbonization, and sustainable industry transformation.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for CSOs to reflect on the evolving role of their function, exploring strategies for upskilling teams, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and integrating sustainability into decision-making processes. Mentoring, technical training, and internal networking were highlighted as key enablers for professionals navigating an increasingly complex landscape.
Finally, the Network showcased its role as a catalyst for alignment and action across sectors. From influencing EU regulations to facilitating knowledge exchange, the CSO Network continues to strengthen the voice of practitioners and drive meaningful impact.
Curious to learn more about the CSO Network’s next steps, connect with peers, and navigate the evolving EU sustainability landscape? Discover how to get involved by emailing us at mm@csreurope.org.
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