The second term of US President Donald Trump has caused significant changes in the US climate and diversity policies. According to OP’s Corporate Pulse survey, a significant majority of Finnish companies consider the global deceleration in sustainable development alarming: as many as 87 per cent of respondents agreed or fully agreed with this claim.

Of the companies that responded to OP’s survey, 80 per cent considered that the recent political atmosphere has not reduced companies’ aims to promote climate targets. In addition, as many as 86 per cent disagreed with the claim that diversity activities should be reduced due to the political climate. 

“The message from companies is clear: sustainability is not a mere temporary trend – it’s a permanent part of core business. Global political turbulence does not change the fact that the foundation of sustainable growth is built on long-term sustainability activities. Companies won’t stand back from sustainable development – they see it as a competitive edge and an integral part of business. It’s important that Finnish companies are leading the way,” says Katja Keitaanniemi, CEO of OP Corporate Bank.

Three out of four companies would continue their sustainability investments, even if reporting requirements were lightened

The European Commission’s Green Omnibus initiative seeks to lighten companies’ sustainability reporting burden to strengthen their competitiveness. Reducing concrete sustainability measures does not seem to be on Finnish companies’ agendas, even if EU regulation was lightened.

“Fewer than every tenth company believes that they would reduce their sustainability investments if the EU’s sustainability reporting requirements were made lighter. Of all companies, 72 per cent disagreed with this claim which is an indication of their strong commitment to sustainability, regardless of the development of legislation,” Keitaanniemi says.

The sustainable financing market experienced a challenging first part of the year in a difficult political environment. However, growing volumes were seen in sustainable bonds issued by Finnish companies during the first quarter, while volumes fell in the other Nordic countries and the euro market. This increase in volumes means that the euro value of issued bonds was higher than a year before.

“The uncertainty caused by the Omnibus proposal may have partly affected the market activity in Europe during the first part of the year, given that the EU is reconsidering its strategic priorities. Nevertheless, the need to finance sustainable investments hasn’t changed, and neither should lighter reporting obligations weaken companies’ willingness to promote the transition to a low carbon economy,” Keitaanniemi says.

The Corporate Pulse survey, commissioned by OP Financial Group and carried out by Taloustutkimus Oy, was answered by 100 Finnish companies with net sales of at least EUR 200 million. The survey was conducted by phone between 12 March and 8 April 2025.