New funding to drive transition to sustainable economy

Brussels, 17 October 2011 – European Commission Vice-President Antonio Tajani has announced EU funding for a new programme to help investors integrate social, environmental and governance (ESG) information into their investment decisions. The programme will be led by the International Corporate Governance Network and the Secretariat of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment, who represent around 900 mainstream investors managing assets in excess of US$ 29 trillion. Together with the European Federation of Financial Analysts Societies, they will provide guidance over a period of 12 months on best practice in the integration of ESG information into investment decisions, as well as a comprehensive professional development programme. Vice-President Tajani said: "It will enable investors to calculate the long term value of companies more accurately, and generate greater recognition from the market for sustainable, responsible and innovative business practices."

 For more information about the programme, please click here.