The global impact of Europe’s accounting evolution

Oct 2, 2025

Eelco van der Enden, CEO of Accountancy Europe with a rich background in sustainability reporting, dives into Europe's evolving reporting landscape. He discusses the critical need for simplification and cross-border alignment in regulations, exploring how these changes impact investments and the accounting profession. Eelco emphasizes bridging the knowledge gap between accountants and policymakers while addressing the future of sustainability reporting. He also highlights the role of AI and digitalization in attracting new talent and enhancing the profession's relevance.

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INSIGHT

Bridging Profession And Policymakers

Accountancy Europe bridges the knowledge gap between business, the profession, and EU political decision makers.
It aims to contribute to smart, proportionate regulation that recognizes the profession's public-interest role.

INSIGHT

Europe's Drive To Unlock Investment

Europe is prioritizing improving the investment climate by reducing regulatory burden and aligning rules across borders.
Simplifying reporting and legal frameworks is central to unlocking cross-border investment.

ADVICE

Mobilize Savings With Simpler Rules

Increase financial literacy to mobilize household savings into investments.
Remove unnecessary cross-border regulatory frictions to make Europe more attractive to investors.

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A video of this podcast is available on YouTube, Spotify, or PwC’s website at viewpoint.pwc.com

This week, host Heather Horn is joined by Eelco van der Enden, CEO of Accountancy Europe. In this episode, we explore the fast-changing reporting and assurance landscape across Europe, including sustainability reporting and broader regulatory shifts. We examine the forces driving simplification, cross-border alignment, and the future of the accounting profession—and what it all means for companies operating in or doing business with the EU.

In this episode, we discuss:

1:55 – The evolving role of Accountancy Europe and how it engages with EU institutions
3:35 – Broader forces shaping Europe’s reporting and investment landscape
14:55 – Bridging the knowledge gap between the profession, policymakers, and society
30:18 – Advice for US companies navigating EU sustainability regulations
33:19 – Accountancy Europe’s Purpose 2030 project and industry benchmarking efforts
35:35 – AI, digitalization, and their implications for the accounting profession
42:05 – Global collaboration, talent attraction, and simplifying regulation

About our guest

Eelco van der Enden is the CEO of Accountancy Europe. He brings over 35 years of experience in business and civil society organizations. Until December 2024, Eelco served as chief executive officer of the Global Reporting Initiative where he led the organisation through groundbreaking changes in sustainability reporting. Eelco previously headed PwC's Global ESG Platform for Tax, Legal, People & Organization Services and has held several senior positions in publicly listed companies, including roles as Head of Treasury, Risk Management, and Tax.

About our host

Heather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability and Thought Leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting, financial reporting, and sustainability matters. In addition, she is part of PwC’s global sustainability leadership team, developing interpretive guidance and consulting with companies as they transition from voluntary to mandatory sustainability reporting. She is also the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series.

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