EXPLAINER: How the ECB can print ‘green money’

(EurActiv, 26 Mar 2020) On 18 March, the ECB announced a €750 billion emergency bond-buying programme to help the euro area face the economic shock caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus.

As the European Commission starts preparing a recovery plan to counter the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, pressure is growing on the European Central Bank to play its role and use the opportunity to accelerate the green transition.

In principle, the ECB’s purchasing criteria proscribes the bank from favouring one sector over another, instead buying whatever public and private bonds are available on the market.

Still, could the ECB use the opportunity to steer investments into the green economy? Read the Q&A below to find out.

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EurActiv, 26 Mar 2020: EXPLAINER: How the ECB can print ‘green money’