The signatories are leaders in sustainable practices within a wide variety of sectors across Europe, and represent over 800,000 employees and more than EUR 207 billion in 2023 alone. This statement is an acknowledgement of the importance of strong EU-wide laws that provide a unified framework and protect the resilience of businesses at a time where economic losses due to extreme weather are worsening year after year.

In the past few years, the EU achieved significant progress with the EU Green Deal. Backtracking now effectively presses the “undo” button on the most important achievements of the 2019-2024 Commission.

Attempts to roll back or dilute existing environmental and climate laws threaten to undermine the significant investments already made by businesses to align with the European Green Deal. Weakening regulations — whether through lowering standards, backtracking on international commitments, or reducing climate ambition — would erode the stability and predictability that companies depend on for strategic planning.

What European businesses need is a consistent regulatory framework, a level playing field, and a strong commitment to continuing Europe’s leadership in sustainable innovation. As we approach a critical juncture in the transition, continuing to invest in renewable energy and green technologies is not just an option, but an urgent necessity to propel us forward.

With this statement, we urge the European Commission and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to stand firm on existing and upcoming environmental standards and to actively champion businesses by prioritising smart and consistent implementation. The stakes are high: maintaining environmental ambition and ensuring consistent, fair implementation are essential to ensure that the EU can nurture a transparent, competitive business environment while driving sustainable economic growth. Now more than ever, the EU must seize this opportunity to foster a transparent, future-proof business environment – or risk undermining both its climate goals and economic resilience.