On 23 April 2026, the international webinar “The New EU Sustainability Reporting Framework in a Shifting Geopolitical Landscape” took place. It was organized by the expert organization Frank Bold in partnership with ESG Lab at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. The event brought together leading European experts, business representatives, and academics to discuss the development of European sustainability policy and its impact on companies.

The main focus of the webinar was the transition from formal compliance to strategic risk management. Participants examined how the new EU regulatory framework, including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), and upcoming regulatory changes, is increasing the role of ESG data.

It was emphasized that sustainability reporting is no longer just a regulatory requirement, but a key tool for:
• managing climate and market risks;
• improving business decision-making;
• ensuring access to finance.

According to the presented analyses, ESG data are increasingly used by banks and investors as a basis for assessing credit risk and making investment decisions.

Among the key topics were also:
• the EU’s new strategy for decarbonisation and industrial competitiveness;
• the role of sustainable finance and capital markets;
• the importance of climate risks and supply chain management;
• the simplification of ESRS standards and the development of the voluntary standard (VSME).

The main speaker at the event was Philippe Gregor – Head of Responsible Companies at Frank Bold and member of the Sustainability Reporting Board at EFRAG. He presented current regulatory trends and the future development of European standards.

The discussion also included:
• Daiva Dedinienė (Audifina, Lithuania) – expert in financial markets and sustainability
• Ieva Kustova (Futurcene, Latvia) – specialist in ESG strategies and climate transitions
• Oana Grosanu (Sustainability Embassy, Romania) – leader in sustainable governance and corporate transformation
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marina Stefanova (Sofia University) – Director of ESG Lab

The participation of ESG Lab reinforced the role of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration as an active partner in the international dialogue on sustainable development, corporate responsibility, and ESG policies.

During the webinar, it was highlighted that companies need to move towards:
• systematic identification of impacts, risks, and opportunities (IROs);
• integration of ESG data into strategic planning;
• development of internal capacity for sustainable management.

Special attention was given to climate risks, with expectations that companies will provide increasingly detailed quantitative data, scenario analyses, and links to financial performance.

Assoc. Prof. Marina Stefanova emphasized the need to view sustainability as a tool for informed management, not just a regulatory obligation. She stressed that decisions made without reliable data on risks and dependencies are strategically unsound.

The meeting clearly outlined the new reality for business in Europe: sustainability reporting is becoming not just a formal requirement but a key instrument for management, investment, and strategic development. Companies that succeed in integrating ESG data into their decision-making will be better prepared for future challenges and opportunities.