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

Profession's Practical Edge In Policy

The accounting profession uniquely understands the practical cost and complexity of compliance across jurisdictions.
That expertise positions accountants to help design data systems and control frameworks that build trust in published data.

ADVICE

Pitch Solutions To Policymakers

Communicate solutions, not only technical detail, when engaging busy policymakers.
Frame messages around the problem being solved and the value the profession brings.

ANECDOTE

Career Shift From Paper To AI And Sustainability

Eelco recalls the profession's shift from manual work to strategic, tech-enabled tasks over 35 years.
He highlights new fields like sustainability audit, AI assessment, and crypto verification that now excite entrants.

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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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