EU Targets TikTok Over Online Ad Transparency Violations

Today’s ESG Updates

• EU Charges TikTok Over Ad Transparency Breaches: The social media giant has failed to disclose key ad information.
• Commerzbank Pushes Back on UniCredit Takeover: CEO and staff support staying independent amid takeover pressure.
• Eni to Sell 20% Stake in Plenitude to Ares: Deal values clean energy unit at up to €10.2B to fund growth.
• Deloitte Survey Reveals Gen Z and Millennial Priorities: Younger generations favor employers and brands with strong sustainability credentials.

EU charges TikTok over ad transparency breaches under Digital Services Act

The European Commission has charged TikTok with breaching the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), potentially facing a fine of up to 6% of its global turnover. The charges follow a February 2023 investigation, alleging TikTok failed to publish a transparent advertisement repository, as required by the DSA. Regulators claim the platform lacks clarity on ad content, target audiences, and funding sources. TikTok disputes the findings, stating support for regulation but criticizing the lack of clear public guidelines. The company may review the Commission’s evidence and respond in writing before a final decision is made. A second probe into election-related risks is ongoing. Companies can stay ahead of the latest legislation and regulations by leveraging ESG solutions.

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Further reading: TikTok charged with breaching EU online content rules

Commerzbank rallies against UniCredit takeover as CEO and staff back standalone strategy 

At its annual shareholder meeting, Commerzbank’s CEO Bettina Orlopp and around 200 employees voiced strong support for the bank’s independent strategy, opposing a potential takeover by Italy’s UniCredit, its second-largest shareholder. Protesters carried signs like “strong and standalone,” amid fears of job cuts and loss of autonomy. While some shareholders expressed openness to future partnerships, major stakeholders largely backed Commerzbank’s current direction. The German government and unions have also shown concern over UniCredit’s interest. Commerzbank recently reported a better-than-expected 12% rise in Q1 profits, strengthening its case for remaining independent amid growing merger pressure.

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Further reading: Commerzbank CEO and workers rally to fend off UniCredit as investors meet

Eni enters exclusive talks to sell 20% stake in Plenitude to Ares for up to €10.2 Billion

Italian energy giant Eni has entered exclusive negotiations with Ares Management’s alternative credit arm to sell a 20% stake in its clean energy subsidiary Plenitude, valuing the company between €9.8 and €10.2 billion. Plenitude, created in 2021, combines Eni’s renewables, retail, and EV charging businesses, with ambitious growth targets in renewable capacity and charging infrastructure. The move follows Eni’s strategic “satellite model,” which aims to attract external capital to scale new energy ventures while maintaining cash flow for shareholder returns. The deal comes after Eni’s 10% Plenitude stake sale to EIP in 2023 and a 25% Enilive stake sale to KKR in 2024.

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Further Reading: Ares in Talks to Acquire $2.2 Billion Stake in Eni’s Renewables, Power and EV Charging Business

70% of Gen Z and Millennials prioritize sustainability in career and consumer choices

Deloitte’s 2025 Survey reveals that environmental sustainability significantly influences the career and consumption choices of younger generations. Around 70% of Gen Zs and Millennials consider a company’s environmental credentials important when job hunting, with some changing jobs or pressuring employers over environmental concerns. Nearly two-thirds are willing to pay more for sustainable products, and many research companies’ environmental policies before buying or accepting offers. The survey also highlights a growing focus on purpose at work and widespread concern about climate change, with respondents increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices in daily life and planning future sustainable investments. Investors can use ESG tools to identify high-impact opportunities in all markets.

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Further reading: 70% of Gen Z, Millennials Consider Environmental Sustainability Important in Choosing Employers: Deloitte Survey

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — Cover Photo Credit: Franck