meta_id 3244953

On March 12, 2026, the European Commission adopted Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/543, establishing implementing technical standards for external reviewers notifying the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) of material changes in their registration information under the European Green Bonds Regulation. The regulation requires external reviewers to use standardised forms and templates when notifying ESMA of material changes, with all information submitted in machine-readable format to ensure accessibility and reproducibility. Each document submitted must be assigned a unique reference number and clearly identified as containing required information. External reviewers must specify which requirements of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2179 or Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/544 the information addresses, and identify the document providing such information. Where a requirement does not apply, external reviewers must indicate this and provide an explanation. Notifications must be accompanied by a letter signed by a member of the external reviewer's senior management, attesting that the submitted information is accurate and complete. The regulation establishes data retention requirements, permitting ESMA to retain personal data relating to notifications for no longer than five years after an external reviewer ceases performing its function. External reviewers must retain personal data for as long as necessary and no longer than five years. The regulation respects fundamental rights and observes principles recognised by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, with personal data processing conducted in accordance with Union data protection law. The regulation enters into force on the twentieth day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union on June 17, 2026.