EUROPE – The socially responsible investment (SRI) market in Europe has been given a significant boost by the launch of the European Sustainable and Responsible Investment Forum (Eurosif) by a consortium of European social investment forums (SIFs) and with the financial support of the European Commission (EC).

Based at Culemborg in the Netherlands, Eurosif is a pan-European network for promoting, developing and converging socially responsible investments (SRI) across Europe. It was created in response to growing interest in SRI shown by investment institutions, the EC, and other industry players.

Eurosif will enable the exchange of information and will act as a platform for players in the European investment market who are interested in SRI. A website, www.eurosif.info, has been launched in conjunction with the initiative.

Founding Eurosif members include Ethibel, Ethical Investment Research Service, Friends, Ivory & Sime, Henderson Global Investors, Jupiter Asset Management, Morley Fund Management, Standard Life Investments, Triodos Bank NV, and UBS.

Eurosif’s ultimate objectives are:
•to inform, educate and provide a Europe-wide SRI network for discussion about sustainable and responsible financial services
•to initiate and publish SRI research related to legislation and SRI practice
•to actively expand the SRI network in Europe

Says Dominique Bé, the EC director general for employment and social affairs: “We the_EC are delighted to be supporting Eurosif with an initial grant. Eurosif’s multi stakeholder approach has already been reflected in its initial membership base. By sharing their expertise and knowledge they can promote and encourage SRI.”