This research area addresses both the micro- and macro-financial dimensions of sustainability. Its main goals are to mobilize green investments, design sustainable financial instruments, develop ESG assessments tailored to SMEs, and align companies and financial institutions with EU requirements under the Sustainable Finance Action Plan. It also promotes financial inclusion and strengthens the resilience of public debt and the broader economy.

Sustainable finance—sometimes referred to as responsible finance—emerges when the principles of sustainable development are applied to financial activities. It integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into investment and financial decision-making, seeking to balance economic goals with social and environmental responsibility.

The European Commission’s Action Plan on Sustainable Finance (2018) and its renewed Strategy for Financing the Transition to a Sustainable Economy (2021) established a framework to promote green investment, increase transparency, and improve risk management related to climate and environmental challenges. A cornerstone of this strategy is the EU Taxonomy for Sustainable Activities (Regulation 2020/852), which provides a common classification system for assessing the environmental sustainability of economic activities.

In June 2023, the EU strengthened this framework with a new package of measures, including an expanded Taxonomy and updated ESG guidelines. These initiatives directly support the objectives of this thematic area, helping businesses and financial actors accelerate the transition toward a more sustainable and resilient economy.