Enabling sovereign bond-backed securities

Briefing 05-12-2018

This briefing analyses the IA accompanying the legislative proposal of the Commission to enable market-led sovereign bond-backed securities (SBBS). The problem definition and the objectives of the IA do not follow entirely the better regulation guidelines. Nevertheless, the policy options, including the baseline scenario, seem logical and pertinent, lacking, however, necessary specification and precision. The assessment focusses on direct effects on the euro-area sovereign bonds market, expecting no direct social or environmental impacts. The IA does not include the mandatory 12-week public consultation nor a comprehensive cost and benefit assessment of the initiative. It also omits, without explanation, a number of relevant issues, so that it seems like a missed opportunity to provide comprehensive and transparent support to evidence-based policy making.