Sustainability is under pressure in Europe. In many countries, it is increasingly perceived as a burden, a cost factor or a regulatory obligation. Companies are grappling with geopolitical uncertainty, weak growth, complex reporting requirements and growing scepticism towards moral appeals.

For companies in Germany, this development is of direct relevance: their markets, supply chains, customer requirements and competitive environments have long been shaped by Europe. Those who successfully combine sustainability with economic strength therefore need not only recognition at home, but also visibility, comparability and interoperability across borders.

This is precisely why Europe now needs a different narrative: sustainability not as a burden, but as a source of innovation, competitiveness and economic strength.

There is much discussion in Europe about targets, rules and obligations. Less visible are the companies that are already demonstrating how transformation can succeed: small and medium-sized enterprises that are becoming more profitable through the circular economy; industrial companies that are reducing emissions and tapping into new markets; and start-ups that are solving societal problems and growing. Cities and organisations that bring together quality of life, responsibility and economic strength

Such examples have a greater impact than mere appeals. They show that sustainability need not be seen as at odds with the economy, but can be effectively achieved through the economy. When decision-makers see that transformation works, trust grows. Individual successes give rise to transferable models.

Europe is the right level for this. Many good solutions emerge at local or national level, but often remain below the radar at European level. A European platform can facilitate comparisons between countries, publicise successful approaches across borders and strengthen the exchange of ideas within a shared innovation space. A good idea from Finland can thus become relevant for Spain, Germany or Poland – and, conversely, German examples can have an impact where similar challenges exist.

This is precisely where the European Sustainability Award comes in. It shines a spotlight on companies that combine environmental and social impact with sustainable business models. The focus is not on the loudest promises, but on demonstrable progress, entrepreneurial achievement and examples that can inspire others.

Der ESA baut auf mehr als zwei Jahrzehnten Erfahrung des Deutschen Nachhaltigkeitspreises auf, ist jedoch kein Export eines nationalen Modells. Er wird als eigenständiges europäisches Format entwickelt: inklusiv, mehrsprachig, kulturell sensibel und geprägt von der Vielfalt der europäischen Märkte. Sein Ziel ist es, Europas beste Beispiele für nachhaltigen wirtschaftlichen Erfolg sichtbar zu machen – und eine neue, positive Dynamik für Transformation in Europa zu schaffen.