Sustainable finance as a pillar of economic resilience: evidence from eu policies and market developments

Sustainable finance has evolved from a marginal notion into a pillar of the global financial architecture, defined as an investment process that integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Its importance lies in the ability to channel capital not only towards financial returns but also towards long-term social and environmental value, in alignment with global climate and development objectives. The purpose of this research is to explore the interconnection between finance and sustainability, with particular attention to the role of European policies in accelerating the green transition. The study applies a comparative-analytical methodology, combining documentary analysis of the EU regulatory framework (EU Taxonomy, SFDR, CSRD) with statistical data from Eurostat, OECD, and the Climate Bonds Initiative. The results demonstrate the decisive role of the European Green Deal, the Sustainable Finance Action Plan, InvestEU, and the Just Transition Mechanism in mobilizing financial resources for renewable energy, green bonds, and emission reduction initiatives. At the same time, challenges such as regulatory complexity, persistent disparities between Member States, and the risk of greenwashing remain significant. The findings confirm that sustainable finance is no longer merely an ethical option but a structural necessity for strengthening economic resilience and achieving the European Union's climate targets. This research is part of Subprogram 030101 "Strengthening the resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability of the economy of the Republic of Moldova in the context of the accession process to the European Union."