ABSTRACT This article examines anticipated changes in ESG reporting in the European Union and the associated challenges for enterprises, based on insights from market practitioners and academic experts. A two‐stage survey was conducted: first in October 2024, when the CSRD Directive was in force, and again in April 2025, following the announcement of the Omnibus I simplification package. The findings highlight a shift in expectations. Respondents foresee increased legislative simplification, greater standardization, and reduced reporting obligations. At the same time, they anticipate a decline in the importance of ESG‐related expertise, limited improvement in report quality, and continuing challenges in managing sustainability issues. Practitioners in particular report rising uncertainty driven by regulatory instability, while concerns about reporting costs appear less pressing. This study provides, to the authors' knowledge, the first comparative analysis of ESG reporting expectations before and after Omnibus I. It offers an initial contribution to evaluating the effectiveness of EU regulatory changes and their communication.
Stanek-Kowalczyk et al. (2026) studied this question.