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ESMA Sets 2025 Priorities: Geopolitical Risks, Sustainability Reporting, and Digital Transparency

ESMA has released the 2025 European Common Enforcement Priorities (ECEP), outlining the main focus areas for national enforcers and listed companies during the upcoming reporting season. The three central priorities are IFRS financial statements, sustainability reporting under the CSRD/ESRS, and ESEF digital reporting. The overall goal is to improve the quality, transparency, and consistency of corporate disclosures, encouraging a stronger connection between financial performance and sustainability information.

Regarding IFRS financial statements, ESMA calls on companies to provide clearer and more detailed disclosures on geopolitical risks and their potential impact on financial performance, cash flows, and assumptions. ESMA warns against vague references to “geopolitical uncertainties,” urging issuers to specify the nature of the events; such as the conflict in Ukraine, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and commodity volatility, as well as  explain how these influence accounting estimates, valuations, and on going concern assessments. ESMA also encourages companies to consider whether additional disclosures beyond IFRS requirements are needed to give investors a comprehensive understanding of resilience and exposure to global disruptions.

The second priority concerns sustainability reporting, with 2025 marking the first year of CSRD application for large undertakings (Wave 1). ESMA recognizes the challenges companies face in adopting the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) but reiterates two fundamental principles: a robust double materiality assessment and a coherent, accessible report structure. Companies are expected to explain their materiality methodology, thresholds, and stakeholder engagement, avoiding standardized or generic disclosures. The mapping of impacts, risks, and opportunities (IROs) must be explicit and well-structured to enhance comparability among issuers. The Authority underscores that sustainability information should not stand apart from financial data but form part of a global corporate narrative on risks, strategy, and long-term value creation.

The third focus area is digital reporting under ESEF (European Single Electronic Format). The Authority highlights the importance of technical accuracy and reminds issuers to properly manage extensions and anchoring, avoiding duplications or incorrect linkages.

Finally, ESMA’s report includes cross-cutting observations on the alignment of financial and sustainability information. It stresses that climate-related impacts and sustainability metrics disclosed in management reports must be consistent with the assumptions used in financial statements. ESMA also reminds companies of the upcoming amendments to IFRS 9 and IFRS 7, effective January 1, 2026, which address issues such as nature-dependent electricity contracts, electronic settlement of financial liabilities and ESG-linked features in financial assets. Companies are advised to assess and disclose potential impacts early, within their 2025 reports.

Overall, the 2025 ECEP marks another step toward the effective integration of financial and sustainability reporting. ESMA’s guidance pushes European companies to combine technical compliance, strategic transparency, and meaningful communication, ensuring that financial reports not only meet regulatory standards but also reflect the company’s resilience, accountability and long-term value for investors and stakeholders.

“New York, New York” – Workcation at the CBIZ office

Liliana Ochoa, Marketing Coordinator from ECOVIS Mexico, spent a month in the CBIZ office in New York City, from 11 August to 11 September.

• What motivated you to do a workcation?
  Having the opportunity to expand my knowledge and improve my relationship and network with other colleagues.

• What were your main goals during your time in the Host Office?
  Learn as much as possible and explore the opportunity to develop future collaborations that could be beneficial for both companies.

• Did you feel productive during your workcations, did you get much work done?
  Of course! My normal activities were covered 100%, and I also had to go to the office every day during their working hours.

• How did you balance work with enjoying time exploring a foreign city?
  The office was very close to where I lived, so that was very convenient because the weather was incredible and after work I had sunlight and plenty of time to go to different places. I also used the weekends to make lots of plans.

• Did you have any networking opportunities during your workcation?
  Of course, built really good relationships with many colleagues in the office, and I am looking forward to collaborating with them very soon.

• What were the highlights of your workcation experience?
  Meeting people from another city who speak a different language and also getting to know what kind of company they are, their work methodology, and spending extended time in a country with a culture different from mine.

• Did you experience any challenges or difficulties?
  Probably the exchange rate. The US dollar is considerably stronger than the Mexican peso, and accommodation prices are also higher than in Mexico. As for work, I didn’t encounter any challenges or difficulties.

• Do you have any tips for individuals considering a workcation for the first time?
  Yes, I would probably recommend not doing the program in the summer, as many colleagues are out of the office on vacation, and that can be a drawback for getting to know and interacting with people from the host office.

“From Down Under to the Acropolis” – Workcation at ECOVIS Hellas

Evie Galanopoulou, Bookkeeper at ECOVIS Clark Jacobs in Sydney, spent a day with ECOVIS Hellas Greece in Athens at the end of September.

• What motivated you to do a workcation?
  I wanted to make the most of some planned travel by connecting with colleagues in another Ecovis office. It felt like a great chance to blend professional growth with personal exploration.

• What were your main goals during your time in the Host Office?
  My goals were to maintain momentum on current projects, build relationships with the Athens team, and gain a better understanding of how different offices within the network operate.

• How did you balance work with enjoying time exploring a foreign city?
  I structured my day carefully. Spent my morning and early afternoon at the office and organised my evening for sightseeing and enjoying the local culture. Athens makes it easy, with so much to explore just a short walk from the office!

• Did you have any networking opportunities during your workcation?
  Definitely. Meeting the Athens team in person added a whole new dynamic to our collaboration. Casual conversations over coffee turned into great knowledge-sharing moments.

• What were the highlights of your workcation experience?
  The hospitality from the Athens team stood out. Being welcomed so warmly really made a difference. Also, walking out of the office to views of the Lycabettus hill (where I lived for a year) never got old—it’s hard not to feel inspired in a city with such rich history and energy.

• Do you have any tips for individuals considering a workcation for the first time?
  Be clear with your schedule, stay connected with your team, and make space to enjoy your surroundings. It’s a great way to work, travel, and connect on a global scale.

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