European Private Sector SDGs Stocktake 2026 Launch

The second edition of the European Private Sector SDGs Stocktake, published this week by UN Global Compact Network UK alongside Country Networks in Bulgaria, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, and Türkiye, provides the most detailed benchmark yet. 

Drawing on 136 data points from 5,793 UN Global Compact participant companies across 21 European countries, including more than 1,000 UK businesses, the report provides a detailed picture of private-sector progress on sustainability. 

For UK businesses, the findings matter well beyond compliance. As supply chain due diligence, access to finance, and regulatory requirements increasingly depend on robust sustainability data, the Stocktake provides a practical benchmark for understanding where your business stands – and where opportunities for further progress lie. 

The report highlights three areas with particular relevance for UK businesses: 

• Governance is a UK strength. UK companies recorded the strongest governance score of any country analysed, supported by an established regulatory framework including the Bribery Act 2010 and the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. Strong governance can also provide an advantage when responding to due diligence requirements and tender processes. 
• The UK leads on climate policy integration – but delivery remains a challenge. Mandatory TCFD-aligned disclosures have helped embed climate considerations into corporate policy. However, the data points to a continuing gap between commitments and validated operational delivery, particularly among SMEs. 
• Partnerships present a significant opportunity for progress. This remains an area for development both in the UK and across Europe, reinforcing the need for stronger collaboration between business, government, and other stakeholders. 

Use the Stocktake to see how your business compares. Download the report to benchmark your progress against businesses across Europe, identify areas for improvement, and consider where stronger sustainability performance could support your long-term commercial resilience.