February / March 2009 Eurosif newsletter
> HIGH LEVEL EU MEETING ON SRI/CSR - EUROSIF ENCOURAGES GREATER TRANSPARENCY
> NEW EUROSIF SECTOR REPORT ON SHIPPING and MARCH 12 LONDON EVENT
> EUROSIF WELCOMES NEW MEMBER AFFILIATES: BANKINVEST, OXFAM
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> EUROSIF's EDITORIAL: SRI and the current crisis
An oft-used maxim says the Chinese word for "crisis" is composed of two characters signifying danger and opportunity. Although Sinologists continually debunk this notion, the clever imagery still inspires followers, including Eurosif. Indeed, the current financial crisis coupled with the recent U.S. election is creating new possibilities for SRI investors around EU public policy. Earlier last month, the European Commission (EC) invited Eurosif to a high-level event to discuss the evolution of corporate responsibility and responsible investment. The forum included European representatives of the business community, trade unions, NGOs, multi-lateral organisations as well as the European Institutions themselves.
As the investor representative, Eurosif was asked to address the assembly on the state of the industry and provide public policy suggestions for the EC to consider. Our input was received with great enthusiasm: since the event, Eurosif has been invited to meet with various members of the EC and European Parliament for a series of discussions about policy, in particular ESG reporting and transparency within the EU financial system. For more information see EU Update section.
In fact, 2009 represents a significant opportunity for Eurosif and its Member Affiliates to positively shape policy developments within the EU for the coming 3-5 years around sustainability themes. With this in mind, Eurosif’s current drafting of a public policy position paper – with Member Affiliate consultation - will serve as a basis for our upcoming meetings.
