Purpose This study aims to explore how the sustainable finance policies of the European Union influence both academic research and practical applications in the field. It reviews current research, outlines major areas of focus and discovers gaps for further investigation. Design/methodology/approach This study analyzes 461 publications from the Web-of-Science Core Collection using bibliometric methods, identifying and visualizing research clusters. Findings Since 2017, there has been consistent growth in research on EU sustainable finance policies. The analysis revealed eight research clusters, showing the variety of themes and approaches. While these clusters span diverse topics, further work is needed to address gaps, particularly in investor behavior and regulations. Research limitations/implications This exploratory study maps the research landscape on EU sustainable finance policies. It is a useful starting point but does not cover specific investor types, classifications or benchmarks, which need further exploration. Practical implications Robust regulations are essential for ensuring transparency in sustainable investment products. By standardizing reporting frameworks and incorporating third-party assurances, these measures foster trust among stakeholders and enable well-informed investment decisions. Social implications The study emphasizes the critical role of standardized regulations, such as the EU Taxonomy, in aligning investments with sustainability goals. By promoting transparency and addressing greenwashing, it provides a framework that could inspire global policies, fostering cohesive efforts toward achieving sustainable economic growth and climate resilience worldwide. Originality/value This study presents a detailed bibliometric analysis based on research clusters, explicitly linking the EU’s sustainable finance regulations and frameworks with academic discourse.
Hoerler et al. (Wed,) studied this question.