EBA seeks input from credit institutions on green loans and mortgages

The European Banking Authority (EBA) today launched an industry survey to receive input from credit institutions on their green loans and mortgages as well as market practices related to these loans. The purpose of the survey is to collect both quantitative and qualitative information the EBA can use to advise the European Commission. The work is part of the Commission’s Strategy for financing transition to a sustainable economy. The deadline for the call for input is 7 April 2023 19 April 2023 (extended).

Survey process

If your institution would like to take part in the survey, please contact your national competent authority in your EU/EEA country to receive the survey templates as well as the information on the process.

Participation in the survey is voluntary. The EBA, however, strongly encourages you to take part in this important exercise.

Participating credit institutions should reply to the survey no later than 7 April 2023 19 April 2023 (extended).

Exchange of survey material will be handled between participating institutions and their respective national competent authorities.

The EBA plans to organise an industry workshop with institutions participating in this survey.

Background

In November 2022, the EBA received a Call for Advice from the European Commission on the definition and possible supporting tools for green loans and mortgages to retail and SME borrowers.

The Call for advice builds around the following four areas:

• An overview of existing market practices.
• A green loan definition based on the EU Taxonomy.
• Measures to encourage and facilitate the uptake of green loans while ensuring the protection of retail borrowers.
• Green loan origination process.

The request from the European Commission complements ongoing work on the EU sustainable finance framework. These include the EU Taxonomy Regulation and related sustainable finance efforts such as the European Green Bonds Standard proposal.

Qualitative questionnaire (updated on 07/11/2023)

The EBA launched a qualitative questionnaire to collect industry input on the costs and benefits of green lending for credit institutions. The online questionnaire was designed to complement the industry survey. It took part between 15 September and 20 October 2023 and was addressed to the sample of credit institutions that participated in the industry survey.