High-Level Expert Group on Sustainable Finance delivers early recommendations

The High-Level Expert Group on Sustainable Finance, established by the Commission, has published its first report setting out concrete steps to create a financial system that supports sustainable investments. The Commission will explore some key early recommendations to take further steps towards a low carbon, more resource-efficient and sustainable economy. The report is part of broader efforts to map out an EU strategy on sustainable finance, a priority action of the Capital Markets Union (CMU) Action Plan. The first wave of EU reforms focused on making the financial system more stable and resilient. The Commission is now driving forward efforts to reorient the financial system so that it can support long-term, sustainable growth. The financial sector has a vital role to play in reaching the climate change goals of the Paris Agreement and the EU’s 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. It is also vital that more private capital is mobilised towards green and sustainable investment so as to enable the transition to a low-carbon economy. Today’s interim report by High-Level Group maps out the challenges and opportunities that the EU faces in developing a sustainable finance policy agenda, identifying possible areas of reform in financial policy. It also presents a first set of early recommendations to the Commission. The expert group will further explore other policy areas to provide further recommendations in the final report, due at the end of 2017. For more information please see the press release and the report.