Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the slow adoption of the EU Green Bond Standard (EU GBS) aimed at combating "greenwashing" in the European market, highlighting that non-EU issuers prefer more flexible standards like the ICMA Green Bond Principles [4]. Group 1: EU Green Bond Standard Overview - The EU GBS is a voluntary and stricter standard designed to enhance transparency and eliminate "greenwashing" by ensuring that project funds are allocated to activities that meet EU taxonomy standards and contribute to environmental goals [5][6]. - Key pillars of the EU GBS include alignment with EU taxonomy, establishment of a comprehensive green bond framework, robust reporting requirements, and mandatory external verification by accredited reviewers [6]. Group 2: Market Adoption and Issuance - The European Investment Bank (EIB) has been a pioneer in issuing EU GBS bonds, with a recent issuance of €3 billion primarily for clean transportation, achieving a subscription rate of 13.4 times, indicating strong investor interest in quality green assets [6][8]. - A2A SPA became the first corporate issuer under the EU GBS, issuing €500 million in January, while Dutch Bank has been a frequent issuer with €750 million and €1 billion bonds issued in February and June respectively [6]. Group 3: Project Categories and Ratings - Renewable energy is the primary category for EU GBS projects, with 8 out of 12 bonds allocated to this category, followed by green buildings and clean transportation, each receiving funding from 4 bonds [8]. - Among the 12 EU GBS bonds issued, 6 are rated BBB, reflecting market concerns about credit quality, with spreads ranging from 75 to 100 basis points, while EIB's AAA-rated bonds have a spread of about 30 basis points [10][12].