The Joint Committee of the European Supervisory Authorities (EBA, ESMA and EIOPA - ESAs) launched a one-month public consultation on the removal of mechanistic references to credit ratings in their guidelines and on the definition of sole and mechanistic reliance on such ratings. The term "sole and mechanistic reliance on credit ratings" is mentioned in Article 5b(1) of the European Regulation on Credit Rating Agencies. However, neither its formal definition nor explanations of its meaning are included in the document. In order to have a common approach towards this issue, the ESAs have developed a definition of "sole and mechanistic reliance", and are consulting with market participants on whether this definition is clear and can be used in practice. The deadline for comment is 5 December.