Essential ESG Legal Updates for Central & Eastern Europe and Central Asia: What You Need to Know

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In recent months, there has been significant activity around Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) regulations. This is especially true in Central and Eastern Europe, where laws around climate and environmental reporting are evolving.

Although the deadline for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) was July 2024, not all EU countries have fully adopted it. The European Commission is taking action against 17 member states, such as the Czech Republic and Romania, for non-compliance.

Next on the radar is the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), which will enforce stringent due diligence requirements on companies and their supply chains. This new regulation must be in place by July 26, 2026.

For a comprehensive update on how each EU member state is handling these regulatory changes, check out our latest overview. We will keep tracking the progress of ESG regulations in 2025.

This overview includes details on national decarbonization plans, environmental protection laws, emissions trading, and innovations in hydrogen and nuclear energy across countries like Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Turkey, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.

You can find the full analysis in our 2024 update.

This article serves as a general guide. For tailored advice, consult a specialist regarding your specific situation.