Deepening GRI’s engagement in Europe
Published date: 15 July 2022
Brussels location opens at crucial stage for corporate sustainability in the EU
The world’s leading sustainability reporting standards setter has increased it’s presence at the heart of the European Union, following the opening of a GRI office in Brussels.
GRI is headquartered in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, with seven regional offices strategically located around the world. By adding an office in Brussels, co-located with Accountancy Europe, GRI is well positioned to further increase outreach to EU organizations and institutions.
The GRI Brussels office will act as a hub for stakeholder engagement, including with the European Commission and Parliament, multinational companies, EU-focused business and environmental organizations, and civil society groups. It opens at a key stage in the progress of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which from 2024 will mean more than 50,000 EU companies are required to disclose detailed sustainability information.
Eelco van der Enden, CEO of GRI, said:
“The sustainability reporting landscape in 2022 is a fast-moving one, with significant global developments that have the potential to raise the bar for corporate accountability. Europe and the EU have an important role, as illustrated by the game-changing legislation being progressed through the CSRD.
I am very pleased, therefore, that GRI is positioned to increase our impact at the heart of the EU, following the opening of our first office in Brussels. With the new European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) under development, to which GRI has given expert input, we are at a crucial juncture. GRI is committed to playing it’s part, working with all stakeholders, to advance transparency and responsible business – in the EU and around the world.”
The GRI Brussels office is located within the same building as Accountancy Europe, on Avenue d’Auderghem in the Schuman district, next to the European Commission. The premises will have a regular and rotating GRI presence, including senior leaders and staff from standards, policy and communications.
Under the CSRD, the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) has been mandated to develop the ESRS, for which GRI has provided technical support. In June, GRI published it’s formal response to the ESRS consultation.