RTS (Regulatory Technical Standards) · Concepts

Roles that need it

ITS (Implementing Technical Standards)Implementing technical standards set uniform conditions for applying a Level 1 act, such as reporting templates, formats and procedures. An ESA drafts them and the Commission adopts them as an implementing regulation under Article 291 TFEU. The COREP and FINREP reporting framework is an ITS.
Delegated actA delegated act is a non-legislative act adopted by the European Commission under Article 290 TFEU to supplement or amend non-essential parts of a legislative act. Parliament and Council can object within a set period, usually two or three months, before it enters into force. RTS are adopted as delegated acts.
Level 1 and Level 2 legislation (Lamfalussy process)In EU financial regulation, Level 1 is the framework regulation or directive adopted by Parliament and Council. Level 2 is the detailed delegated and implementing acts, often regulatory and implementing technical standards drafted by the ESAs. Level 3 covers ESA guidelines and Q&As, and Level 4 enforcement (a model from the Lamfalussy report).
European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs)The European Supervisory Authorities are the EBA (banking), ESMA (securities and markets) and EIOPA (insurance and pensions), created in 2011. They draft technical standards, issue guidelines and Q&As, coordinate national supervisors and, in some areas, supervise firms directly. Their Joint Committee handles cross-sector work.

Updated 31 Oct 2026.