EIF Joins Sustainable Investment-Focused PRI, Commits to Enhance ESG Investing
The European Investment Fund (EIF) announced today that it has joined the list of signatories of the UN-sponsored Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), committing to further enhance its ESG investment practices and processes.
The EIF is part of the European Investment Bank Group (EIB), with a central mission is to support Europe’s micro, small and medium-sized businesses by helping them to access finance. The fund designs and develops venture and growth capital, as well as guarantees and microfinance instruments specifically targeting this market segment.
The PRI was established by a group of investor signatories in 2006, supported by the United Nations, to aid investors in integrating ESG factors into the investment process. The EIF stated that signing onto the PRI aligns with its commitment to support the European Green Deal and the EIB’s positioning as the EU Climate Bank.
EIF Chief Executive, Alain Godard said:
“Signing the Principles for Responsible Investment demonstrates EIF’s aim to contribute to a more sustainable global financial system. Investing responsibly is the right choice, and we have therefore mainstreamed this approach to our investment processes. Our commitment to the PRI underlines the importance of generating value whilst making positive contributions to the environment and society.”
Fiona Reynolds, Chief Executive Officer of PRI, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome the European Investment Fund on board as a signatory. EIF’s role in supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in Europe is an important one, and we applaud their commitment to a more sustainable global financial system. We look forward to working together in future.”