In december 2003, a network of 15 European Jesuit centres from 11 countries was created on the initiative of Father Mark Rotsaert S.J., President of the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials. The aim was to strengthen the European network of Jesuit centres which all work, starting from their own field of expertise, on the theme ‘Europe’ and ‘European integration’ in a social context.

The participating centres and institutions share Ignatian spirituality as a common source of inspiration and they work in line with the themes put forward by the 34th General Congregation of the Society of Jesus: faith and justice, culture and interreligious dialogue. As academic institutions or organisations for education and/or social action, these centers nourish the policy debate on social matters such as migration, are involved in professional education or pursue concrete social action, such as taking care of the poor or giving support to refugees. This network was named «Scribani-network», referring to the famous Jesuit Father Carolus Scribani (°1561-+1629), who was the first Provincial of Flanders (from Italian descent) and first Dean of the Jesuit University in Antwerp.