Building a more sustainable economy in Europe

ACCA partners with AVIVA, Barclays and the IIRC to discuss how to build a more sustainable economy in Europe.

On 21 June 2017, EU experts took  stock of progress made so far and discussed a way forward for a European strategy for sustainable finance at a multi-stakeholder conference jointly organised in Brussels by ACCA, AVIVA, Barclays and the IIRC. The event brought together more than 130 participants.

Building on work already undertaken at the international level by the G20 Green Finance Study Group and the Financial Stability Board Task Force, the  EU is keen to promote an ambitious approach to sustainable finance. This work is developing significant momentum: the interim report of the High-Level expert group created to help define a comprehensive European strategy by the end of 2017 has just been published and the European Commission released its long awaited guidelines on Non-Financial Information, taking into account the recommendation of the FSB Task Force on climate-related financial disclosures.

A growing number of companies are already using integrated reporting created to enhance accountability, stewardship and trust. However, to properly embed sustainability into EU financial services policy and the Capital Markets Union, an overarching approach is required.

With this in mind, ACCA, AVIVA, Barclays and the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) organised a lively debate to take stock of progress made so far, and to discuss a way forward for a European strategy for sustainable finance. 

The debate confirmed that promoting financial stability and sustainable development by enhancing the links between investment decisions, corporate behaviour and reporting has become a global need