Timeline of recent and anticipated ESG developments in 2026

The pace of ESG developments has certainly not slowed in 2026. The UK continues its path towards significant sustainability regulations, particularly relating to disclosures, whilst revisions to many key pieces of EU legislation through the Omnibus process in 2025 have now been settled.

In this timeline, up-to-date as of mid-March 2026, we have set out key ESG developments in the UK and EU in early 2026 to assist with horizon scanning, as well as those that took place over the later half of 2025 for full context. Although many of the anticipated developments in 2026 are currently provisional, we will publish further updates as they crystallise into policy or regulatory action. Sign up to our Sustainable Matters blog and Horizon Scanning programme of short articles and podcast episodes for more detailed updates throughout the year.

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Please note that this timeline is a summary and is necessarily not comprehensive. Please speak to your usual contact at Slaughter and May for more information on ESG horizon scanning, including information tailored to your business and/or sector.

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This material is provided for general information only. It does not constitute legal or other professional advice.