EU Green Bond Standard (GBS) was introduced as an important milestone towards meeting the financing needs of the low-carbon transition and sets the standard for green bonds issuance. The standard is, however, voluntary and relies on the criteria set by the EU Sustainable Taxonomy to define economic activities which are considered green and aligned with sustainable practices. Building on the Taxonomy, GBS establishes external review of companies carrying out pre- and post-issuance at the European level, with the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) mandated to supervise these external reviewers, creating an efficient green-issuance ecosystem.

Following a legislative proposal by the Commission, co-legislators reached a political agreement on the final wording of the EU Green Bond Standard, which was published in the Official Journal of the EU in November 2023 and subsequently entered into force by the end of the same year. Deutsche Börse Group has positioned itself as one of the leading green/ESG venues in Europe. We have always advocated for legal certainty and prevention of greenwashing to create market confidence and tradability of green/ESG instruments.

For further information on Deutsche Börse Group’s positioning on the matter, find our statements and position papers under Publications.