Status: 03/01/2023 08:56 a.m
The EU countries have agreed on a new seal for green bonds. It should be easier for investors to invest in green and climate-friendly projects in the future.
A new EU label for “European Green Bonds” is intended to help investors with their investment decisions in the future. Negotiators from the EU states and the European Parliament agreed on the new seal late Tuesday evening, as the Council of Member States announced.
The new ordinance sets out uniform requirements for publishers to use the new label. This makes it easier for them to prove that they are investing in projects that are actually sustainable and climate-friendly.
Formal confirmation is pending
According to the information, the new criteria relate to the EU taxonomy, which already lists areas in which citizens and companies can invest money to combat climate change. In addition, a supervisory framework for external auditors of green bonds will be set up. For areas that have not been regulated in the taxonomy up to now, a certain degree of flexibility is initially planned.
The agreement now has to be formally confirmed by the European Parliament and the EU states. It is to take effect one year after it has come into force. So it will probably be a while before investors actually benefit from the new seal.