Survey 2021
Background
The European Union (EU) has ambitious goals for a sustainable economic transformation.
The European Green Deal is intended to transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy, where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050, economic growth is decoupled from resource use, and no person and no place is left behind.
The financial sector is crucial for fostering a more sustainable economy.
The Sustainable Europe Investment Plan, the investment pillar of the European Green Deal, aims to mobilise at least EUR 1 trillion in sustainable investments over the next decade from private and public actors. The financial sector must also be involved in allocating additional resources provided by the EU and its Member States to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Public financial institutions are indispensable for funding sustainable economic activities.
They often have the mandate and required resources to help their clients thrive and become more resilient. They may have access to public funding for sustainable economic development, provided by the EU or governments. It is important for them to identify adequate investment opportunities and advise clients accordingly.
The EU taxonomy for sustainable activities can be a useful tool for public financial institutions.
It was developed to help the financial sector direct funding to sustainable economic activities. Yet, there remain knowledge gaps as to how public financial institutions should and could use the taxonomy.
Objectives
The European Sustainable Finance Survey 2021 aims to answer the following questions:
- How can and do public financial institutions use the taxonomy to promote a sustainable economy in line with their mandates and with the goals of the European Green Deal?
- Which opportunities and challenges does the taxonomy hold for public financial institutions? How well are public financial institutions prepared to seize such opportunities and to address challenges?
- How can the taxonomy be enhanced or complemented to support public financial institutions in promoting sustainable development? Which support measures are available or would be helpful?
