ESG compliance – building strategic resilience in 2026

When we think about ESG, it’s easy to focus on regulations, reporting deadlines, and legal obligations. These are indeed critical – but they are not the end goal. The purpose of ESG regulation is to help boards, directors, and legal advisors build strategic resilience: the ability to anticipate risk, adapt to change, and lead with integrity in a rapidly evolving business landscape. 

In this context, compliance is not just a legal necessity – it’s a strategic enabler.  

Our Vienna session sets the stage with a deep dive into the regulatory landscape that will shape business continuity in the year ahead. With the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, Transparency Pay Directive, European Forced Labour Regulation, European Deforestation Regulation, CSDDD and CSRD, companies face a complex web of obligations that demand proactive adaptation. This session will equip participants with the foresight and tools to navigate 2026 with confidence.

The following discussions will be held:

• 2026 Outlook & Introduction: A strategic overview of the ESG compliance horizon and what’s ahead for businesses.
  Speaker: Döne Yalçın, Managing Partner CMS Türkiye, Partner CMS Austria, member of the CMS ESG and Sustainability Leadership
• Environmental compliance: focus on circular economy mandates and waste management reforms.
  Speaker: Sinéad Oryszczuk, Partner, CMS Ireland&UK
• Social compliance: focus on pay transparency and human rights due diligence.
  Speaker: Daniela Krömer, Partner, CMS Austria
• Governance: focus on directors’ liability and evolving expectations for corporate oversight.
  Speaker: Petra Schaffner, Partner, CMS Germany

General counsel are invited to the event and do only have to organise and pay for their travel arrangements. Chatham House rules apply for the meeting.