a man looks out over the big sur coastline

The Impact of EU Omnibus on Regulation: Outlook


Read in Germanread in French

Discover what EY’s view on the outlook with the EU Omnibus package is.


In brief

  • The EU Omnibus package aims to simplify sustainability reporting, reducing compliance burdens while promoting responsible business practices.
  • Companies should focus on no-regret actions for preparation, which are applicable regardless of the outcome of the legislative process.

The Impact of EU Omnibus on Regulation: Preparing for the Future

The evolving regulatory landscape, particularly with the release of the EU Omnibus simplification package, is reshaping how companies approach compliance and sustainability. The initiative aims to streamline and simplify sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements – with key changes to CSRD, EU Taxonomy, CBAM and CS3D – to reduce administrative burdens and compliance costs, while still meeting reporting obligations under the EU Green Deal. The Commission has urged co-legislators to prioritize the EU Omnibus Simplification Package and to consider fast-tracking its proposals. However, it is essential to recognize that these proposals will require time to navigate through the EU institutions and Member States before finalization and transposition. Despite the simplifications, the regulations still aim to collectively push organizations toward more responsible business practices, with a strong emphasis on climate, nature and human rights.

As companies look ahead, understanding the next steps and preparing for the evolving regulatory environment is crucial. The Omnibus package offers companies significant opportunities to advance their sustainability goals. This article will summarize the immediate actions organizations can take and highlight no-regret strategies that will position them favorably not only for compliance with future sustainability reporting requirements but also beyond.

No-regret actions

On June 25th 2025, the Federal Council decided to halt the revision of the Ordinance on climate disclosures until the European Union has decided on simplifications linked to the Omnibus proposal. The Federal Council will decide the next steps in early 2026.

The extended timeline offers companies a valuable opportunity to better prepare and strategically allocate their resources. By focusing on “no-regret actions”, companies can position themselves to thrive amidst uncertainty.

1. Future-proof sustainability strategy: Establishing a long-term reporting strategy that integrates sustainability into the overall business model ensures that organizations are prepared for regulatory changes while maximizing the impact of their sustainability initiatives.

2. Maintain materiality assessments: Keep assessing financial and impact risk. Identifying and prioritizing material sustainability topics ensures that organizations address the most relevant issues. Employ scenario analysis and actively engage stakeholders to enhance materiality assessments and inform strategic planning.

3. Strengthen governance and data integrity: Establish robust ESG data governance frameworks to ensure accuracy, reliability and traceability. Implement internal controls to improve data quality, providing greater assurance to administrators and investors that the disclosed information is trustworthy and can withstand scrutiny from stakeholders and regulatory authorities. This will foster market confidence in sustainability reporting.

4. Leverage technology: Review existing technology. Explore the development of technology-driven solutions to enhance core data capabilities to serve multiple use cases besides reporting, including supply chain engagement, data quality management, EHS, LCA/PCF and more.

5. Human Rights & Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD): Enhanced supply chain transparency regarding dependencies, risks and opportunities can allow companies to better navigate the transformation ahead. The priority areas for HREDD should be risk-based and focused on the most significant business impacts. These priorities should also be aligned with the outcomes of double materiality assessments (if available) and, conversely, any double materiality assessment should be informed by the due diligence performed and its respective findings. We further recommend aligning the general due diligence approach with sector-specific requirements, e.g., on deforestation, forced labor or conflict minerals.

6. Engage stakeholders: Actively involving stakeholders in sustainability discussions helps organizations understand their expectations and concerns and builds trust. This engagement leads to more informed decision making and strengthens the alignment of sustainability efforts with stakeholder priorities.

7. Evaluate scope and compliance implications: Assess whether your organization falls within the proposed thresholds, considering the extra-territorial implications for non-EU parent undertakings. If your company is excluded, consider the alignment of voluntary disclosures with the expectations of investors and stakeholders.

8. Align with voluntary standards and best practices: Organizations may choose to voluntarily adopt sustainability frameworks such as GRI, ISSB or TCFD. Maintain transparent ESG disclosures to uphold credibility with investors and stakeholders.

By leveraging EY’s expertise, organizations can gain valuable insights into their sustainability practices, identify opportunities for improvement and align their reporting with regulatory requirements. Our commitment to supporting clients throughout their sustainability journey ensures that they are equipped to thrive in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.


How to navigate the EU Omnibus Simplification package - key implications for companies

Read more on how the European Commission's proposed amendments impact the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D), the EU Taxonomy Regulation (EUTR), and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

EY Webcast: Omnibus simplification package

In our webcast, you will learn how the European Union’s Omnibus Simplification Package aims to streamline sustainability reporting. This legislative initiative represents a significant milestone in the journey towards enhanced competitiveness. We will also present initial insights and recommendations that will help companies prepare for future challenges.

Summary

The EU Omnibus simplification package is transforming compliance and sustainability reporting for companies, aiming to reduce administrative burdens while promoting responsible business practices. Organizations are encouraged to adopt “no-regret actions”, such as developing comprehensive reporting strategies and leveraging digital solutions for data management. EY’s Climate Change and Sustainability Services support companies in navigating these changes, enhancing governance frameworks and aligning sustainability efforts with regulatory requirements.

Acknowledgment

We thank Rafael Barayon and Gwen Jettain for their valuable contributions to this article.


Related articles

EFRAG publishes Exposure Drafts of simplified ESRS

On 31 July, EFRAG published Exposure Drafts of a simplified set of the 12 ESRS Standards adopted by the European Commission (EC).

Impact of Omnibus on the CS3D Regulation

The EU Omnibus Simplification Package represents a significant step towards simplifying due diligence requirements, particularly regarding CS3D. Learn more.

Navigating the EU Omnibus Simplification Package - CBAM

Discover the changes to the CBAM regulation under the EU Omnibus Simplification Package and learn how companies can prepare for compliance.

Impact of Omnibus on the EU Taxonomy Regulation

Learn about the EU Omnibus Simplification Package and its impact on Taxonomy Regulation for better compliance and sustainability.

Navigating the EU Omnibus Simplification Package: CSRD

Explore the key aspects of CSRD and the EU Omnibus Simplification Package. Learn about the new reporting requirements, the phased implementation, and the proposed amendments aimed at simplifying sustainability reporting.

Strengthening Nature Risk Management in Swiss Finance

Learn how our Financial Services teams can help you embed nature-related financial risks in your organization.


    Explore how EY can help you with Climate change and sustainability services

    Our multidisciplinary teams can help companies understand the risks and opportunities arising from climate change and sustainability issues.

    Diverse business professionals having a discussion during a meeting in a modern office. Team of multicultural businesspeople sharing creative ideas in an inclusive workplace.


    About this article

    Authors

    Request for proposal (RFP) - exclusively for Switzerland

    |

    Submit your request now!