EY Law Belgium at Vlerick Entrepreneurship Day 2025

As proud sponsor of Vlerick Entrepreneurship Day 2025, EY Law Belgium is helping shape the conversation around this year’s theme: “Which impact does your company have on society?” In a recent interview with Vlerick Business School, Peter Suykens and Virginie Ciers shared their insights on ESG regulation, compliance challenges, and the evolving role of sustainability in business strategy.

Peter Suykens, Managing Partner, explained how the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) has overwhelmed many legal teams with its complexity and scope. While large companies are directly affected, SMEs are increasingly asked to provide ESG data to their clients, creating pressure across the supply chain. EY Law’s approach focuses on assessing ESG maturity and dividing efforts between legal obligations and strategic sustainability, supported by the broader EY network.

Virginie Ciers, Partner M&A, emphasized that ESG spans multiple legal domains and requires cross-functional collaboration. She highlighted how ESG performance can influence company valuation, especially in transactions. Both experts stressed that ESG reporting should go beyond compliance—it can drive innovation, employee engagement, and client trust. Companies that embed sustainability into their culture are more likely to succeed.

Looking ahead, ESG is expected to influence financing decisions and sector consolidation. Banks may require ESG due diligence for M&A and investment deals, while small businesses will need to adapt to rising compliance demands. EY Law Belgium continues to support clients on their ESG journey and leads by example through its own CSR initiatives, including global social impact programs and local charity support.

To read the full interview with Peter Suykens and Virginie Ciers, please follow this link: Waiting out on ESG is not an option.