HEC in the press

In an article on new SEC rules under President Trump, Reuters reports that limits on shareholder resolutions and increased disclosure requirements are raising concerns among sustainable investors. While some U.S. firms are abandoning net-zero targets, global investment flows toward ESG remain stable. Jean-Michel Gauthier, professor at HEC Paris Business School and energy expert, argues that state-level policies in the U.S. and global market forces will likely maintain momentum for sustainable investment despite federal rollbacks.

In an article on the rise of online MBA alternatives, The Financial Times reports that platforms like Quantic, Abilitie, and Coursera are attracting students seeking flexible and affordable business education. While traditional MBAs remain valued, lower costs and tailored learning experiences are driving interest in these alternatives. Barbara Stöttinger, Dean of Executive Education at HEC Paris Business School, argues that an MBA signifies mastery of business administration, highlighting the importance of pedagogy and structured learning over self-directed online models.

Interviewed by Euronews, law professor at HEC PAris Business School Alberto Alemanno argues that the European Parliament's current ethics framework is failing to prevent corruption. The recent Huawei-related bribery investigation underscores the system’s flaws, which Alemanno attributes to self-policing and political conflicts of interest. Despite these scandals, he maintains that they reflect individual misconduct rather than institutional corruption within the EU.

CNN Portugal reports that the European Commission aims to standardize deportation rules amid rising influence of the far right. The plan has drawn criticism from NGOs and legal experts, with Alberto Alemanno, professor at HEC Paris Business School, warning that such centers could violate human rights and strengthen far-right narratives on migration.

In an article on how Europe could seize frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine, CNBC reports that President Donald Trump’s withdrawal of U.S. military support has prompted European leaders to explore new funding options. Armin Steinbach, law professor at HEC Paris Business School, notes that while seizing these assets would be morally compelling, legal hurdles under international law remain significant.

In an op-ed published in Die Zeit on Germany’s constitutional debt brake, law professor at HEC Paris Business School Armin Steinbach criticizes the outgoing Bundestag’s attempt to amend the constitution before the new parliament takes office. He argues that using the old majority to push through fiscal changes undermines democratic legitimacy and could ultimately benefit the far-right AfD, highlighting concerns over political maneuvering in Germany’s legislative process.

In an article covering the latest “Europe’s Leading Start-up Hubs”, in which HEC Paris’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Institut appears at the 4th position, Sifted highlights the shcool's strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, emphasizing its support for startups through its incubator at Station F and its extensive network of alumni and investors, which reinforces its role as a key player in Europe’s innovation landscape.

In an article on how European firms are adjusting their diversity and inclusion (DEI) strategies, Bloomberg highlights a decline in DEI mentions during earnings calls of major European companies. This shift aligns with a broader backlash in the U.S., driven by President Donald Trump’s executive orders pressuring firms to dismantle DEI commitments. Matteo Winkler, associate professor at HEC Paris, explains that European companies may be downplaying DEI efforts to avoid losing U.S. government contracts, illustrating the transatlantic influence on corporate policies.

Alberto Alemanno, law professor at HEC Paris Business School, warns in an op-ed published in Project Syndicate that the European Commission’s deregulation push, led by Ursula von der Leyen, threatens legal certainty and EU competitiveness. The proposed Omnibus Simplification Package could dismantle key regulations, undermining green investments and the EU’s global influence.

As the AI Summit is about to start, HEC Paris professor Yann Algan highlights in an op-ed for Forbes AI’s ability to bolster or threaten democracy, urging business leaders to act responsibly.