EU Update
September / October 2007
Eurosif lobbying activities
DG Enterprise invites Eurosif to participate in advisory group
As a result of the successful reception of the Venture Capital for Sustainability report by EC policy makers, Eurosif has been invited to participate in an EC workshop on “Seed and start up finance for high growth SMEs active in eco-innovation”. Results of Eurosif’s study were included in the discussion and will be presented during the workshop to be held in Brussels on November 7, 2007.
DG Internal Market: Eurosif attended hearing for EU Green paper on Retail Financial Services in the Single Market
Eurosif was present at the public hearing in Brussels on September 19th, 2007. The EC received more than 190 responses to their green paper (including one from Eurosif) with a general consensus that retail financial services will remain local, however there remains a great need for harmonisation. Consumer organisations opposed maximum harmonisation, as they fear this could lead to an overall reduction of protection levels.
DG Secretariat General asked for Eurosif input on current state of investment in Europe
Eurosif provided a paper on current state of sustainable investing to the DG Secretariat General, the body in charge of writing a progress report on the EU Sustainable Development Strategy (EUSDS). Eurosif pointed out that there is currently a greater diversification of asset classes and a growing trend for innovation in SRI strategies. Eurosif also asked the EC to consider the introduction of an EU wide Statement of Investment Principles for investment funds.
