The Platform on Sustainable Finance, the expert advisory body that supported the European Commission in shaping the EU sustainable finance framework, has now formally concluded its mandate. Over the past years, the Platform played a crucial role in ensuring the EU Taxonomy and other sustainable finance tools were grounded in science, stakeholder engagement, and technical expertise.
As sustainable finance becomes increasingly central to the EU Green Deal and wider policy objectives, the European Commission is expected to soon nominate a new Platform or expert group. Continued technical guidance is essential to maintain the integrity and usability of the EU Taxonomy, as well as to support its further development.
The final months of the Platform’s work were marked by the publication of several key reports and technical documents. These materials offer important recommendations for EU policymakers, regulators, and market actors, and should be taken into account as the sustainable finance framework evolves.
Below is a summary of the Platform’s final publications:
Advancing Sustainable Finance
1 April 2025 – Report
This flagship report delivers technical screening criteria for additional economic activities and offers the Platform’s first review of the Climate Delegated Act. It strengthens the scientific underpinnings of the Taxonomy and proposes improvements to increase coherence and usability.
Updated Handbook on Climate Benchmarks and ESG Disclosures
28 March 2025 – Handbook (PDF)
An update to earlier guidance, this handbook helps financial market participants understand and apply climate benchmarks and ESG disclosure requirements, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability in sustainable investment products.
Response to EU Taxonomy Delegated Acts Consultation
26 March 2025 – Response
This formal response offers detailed technical feedback on the Commission’s draft amendments to the delegated acts, highlighting concerns around clarity, coherence, and alignment with the original purpose of the EU Taxonomy.
Streamlining Sustainable Finance for SMEs
21 March 2025 – Report
This report identifies barriers faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in accessing sustainable finance, and proposes tailored solutions to support their green transition without undue regulatory burden.
Monitoring Capital Flows to Sustainable Investments
11 March 2025 – Report
This publication provides a data-driven look at how capital is flowing into sustainable economic activities, offering insights that can inform policy adjustments and investment strategies going forward.
Simplifying the EU Taxonomy
5 February 2025 – Report
Recognising growing concerns over the complexity of the Taxonomy, this report recommends simplification measures to enhance its usability without compromising on environmental ambition.
Building Trust in Transition Plans
23 January 2025 – Report
This final report focuses on how to assess the credibility of corporate transition plans, outlining key elements that should be included to ensure consistency with long-term climate goals and investor expectations.
The Platform’s body of work continues to be highly relevant. As the EU Commission prepares to nominate a new expert group, the extensive recommendations from the Platform should remain central to the ongoing evolution of the EU’s sustainable finance framework.
