Copenhagen University withdraws investments from Airbnb, Booking.com, and eDreams after dialogues with students and staff. Starting from Wednesday, May 29, Copenhagen University (KU) will no longer invest in funds that include the companies Airbnb, Booking.com, and eDreams. This decision was made public through a statement on the social media platform X. The decision came after the university’s board in April adopted a more proactive ownership policy towards its fund managers. This new ownership approach includes, among other things, ongoing dialogues about companies listed on the UN’s list of companies involved in activities in the West Bank. The list currently includes Airbnb, Booking.com, and eDreams, all of which are implicated in business activities related to Israeli settlements in the area. KU’s investments in the three companies amount to approximately one million Danish kroner. The university sees the decision to divest from these investments as part of its overall risk management strategy and ethical investments. The university’s statement on X also mentions that the decision is in line with the discussions the rectorate has had with both students and staff in the wake of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. It is emphasized that the decision aligns with KU’s original goals and strategic considerations regarding financial and ethical responsibility. This action illustrates KU’s ongoing efforts to balance economic interests with ethical and political considerations.

Read the danish version here