On 5 April 2022, the European Banking Authority (EBA) launched a survey for banks on their experiences with the application of the so-called infrastructure supporting factor in accordance with the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR 2). The survey also aims to provide information on the materiality of infrastructure project loans across EU banks, irrespective of whether credit institutions specialise in infrastructure lending or not.

Article 501a of the CRR 2 introduces a reduction by 25% of the own fund requirement for specific corporate exposures. The eligible exposures must be to entities that were created specifically to finance or operate physical structures or facilities, systems and networks that provide or support essential public services. They must also meet additional conditions, which imply a certain minimum level of quality or maximum riskiness of the exposures.

Member State competent authorities will disseminate the survey directly to the largest banks. However, any bank willing to participate may do so.

The deadline for responses to the survey is 27 May 2022.