The European Parliament voted to weaken corporate sustainability reporting after center-right MEPs allied with the far right, eliminating mandatory corporate climate transition plans. Politico EU says this is the first time such an alliance has pushed a major proposal into final EU negotiations, signaling a shift in conservative strategy. The measure — framed by supporters as part of Ursula von der Leyen’s "simplification" agenda to boost business and innovation — has drawn criticism for potentially undermining climate accountability.
EU Conservatives Team Up with Far Right to Roll Back Corporate Climate Reporting
The European Parliament voted to weaken corporate sustainability reporting after center-right MEPs allied with the far right, eliminating mandatory corporate climate transition plans. Politico EU says this is the first time such an alliance has pushed a major proposal into final EU negotiations, signaling a shift in conservative strategy. The measure — framed by supporters as part of Ursula von der Leyen’s "simplification" agenda to boost business and innovation — has drawn criticism for potentially undermining climate accountability.
07:15 AM, 11/14/2025Politics
European Parliament votes to roll back corporate sustainability reporting
On Thursday, the European Parliament voted to weaken corporate sustainability reporting rules after center-right Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) allied with far-right groups. The measure removes the requirement for companies to adopt mandatory climate transition plans and now moves into final interinstitutional negotiations.
Politico EU reported this marks the first time such a conservative–far-right pairing has carried a major proposal into the final stage of EU talks, highlighting a notable realignment in parliamentary politics. The bill is the first landmark legislation under European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's second term and aligns with her stated "simplification" agenda intended to improve the bloc's business environment and spur innovation.
Supporters say the changes will reduce regulatory burdens and help competitiveness. Critics warn the roll-back could weaken corporate accountability on climate action and hinder the EU's broader climate objectives.
"A self‑inflicted wound that will define our era," an academic said, denouncing the vote.
The proposal now goes to trilogue negotiations between the Parliament, Commission and Council, where its final form will be negotiated.