In Memoriam | Count Étienne Davignon (1932 - 2026), President of CSR Europe

On behalf of CSR Europe, the European Business Network for Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility, we would like to pay a warm and heartfelt tribute to Étienne Davignon.

We will remember him as:

• A man who always wanted to be useful, driven by action and dedicated to serving others;

• An architect and true friend of Europe, which he envisioned not only as ambitious, but above all as pragmatic and inclusive for its citizens;

• A man of dialogue with a unique gift for consensus, masterfully turning complex discussions into conclusions, allowing meaningful and impactful joined statements and actions for everyone around the table;

• A man who used wit and humour to defuse tensions and break through sterile deadlocks;

• A man of profound faith in the future, who placed his trust in the younger generations driven by both purpose and common sense.

It is with great humility, and through the bond of a collaboration that grew into a deep friendship, that we share in the grief of his family, friends, and loved ones.

We express our profound gratitude and joy of having experienced for more than thirty years such an inspiring and passionate companion and guide as Etienne Davignon, supporting us to pave the road to a more sustainable future for all.

Monica Perez Lobo, Chair of the Board | Stefan Crets, Executive Director | Jan Noterdaeme, Co-Founder and Senior Advisor