EC Finance Publications

Commission Report on Preparedness in the EU Financial Sector

The European Commission published a report assessing the resilience of the EU financial sector against various potential disruptions. The report is part of the EU's broader preparedness union strategy and covers the financial sector's ability to withstand systemic shocks.

Platform on Sustainable Finance Advises on ESRS-EU Taxonomy Alignment

The European Commission's Platform on Sustainable Finance published technical advice on aligning European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) with the EU Taxonomy Regulation. The advisory body recommends joint EFRAG-Platform mapping to reduce reporting duplication, integration of taxonomy-aligned metrics into climate transition plans, and improved consistency across ESRS, SFDR, and Benchmark Regulation. The Commission plans to adopt a Delegated Act revising ESRS before summer 2026 based on this input.

FAQs on Provision of Payments Services Concerning Sanctions Against Russia and Belarus

The European Commission published FAQs clarifying payment services obligations under EU sanctions targeting Russia and Belarus following the military aggression against Ukraine. The guidance addresses how payment service providers must handle transactions affected by asset freezes, payment restrictions, and other restrictive measures. Regulated entities should consult these FAQs to ensure compliance with current sanctions requirements.

EU-UK Financial Forum Convenes Fifth Meeting in London

The European Commission and HM Treasury co-chaired the fifth EU-UK Joint Financial Regulatory Forum meeting in London on 11 March 2026. Participants from the Bank of England, FCA, ECB, ESAs, and SRB attended. The Forum covered six themes: policy priorities, macro-financial stability, banking, digital finance, markets reform, and sustainable finance. Both parties reaffirmed commitment to financial stability, market integrity, and international cooperation through the FSB and G20.

FSUG Opinions 2026: Payment Accounts Directive Revision Suggestions

The Financial Services User Group published its 2026 opinions containing suggestions for revising the EU Payment Accounts Directive. The document addresses transparency of fees, account switching procedures, and accessibility of basic payment accounts. Banks and payment service providers operating in the EU should monitor these expert recommendations as potential indicators of upcoming regulatory amendments.