THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EU) 2016/1011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2016 on indices used as benchmarks in financial instruments and financial contracts or to measure the performance of investment funds and amending Directives 2008/48/EC and 2014/17/EU and Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 [OJ L 171, 29.6.2016, p. 1.], and in particular Article 20(6)(a) thereof,

Whereas:

(1) The total value of financial instruments, financial contracts or investment funds referencing a benchmark is a key criterion for the categorisation of that benchmark, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/1011, as critical, significant or non-significant. It is therefore necessary that the nominal amount of financial instruments other than derivatives, the notional amount of derivatives and the net asset value of investment funds are calculated in the same manner across the Union, so that a consistent categorisation of benchmarks in the Member States and a uniform application of Regulation (EU) 2016/1011 is ensured.

(2) To ensure reliability of benchmarks, the nominal amount of financial instruments, the notional amount of derivatives and the net asset value of investment funds should therefore be calculated using regulatory data where available.