Reversal of subsidies for wind power in Bosnia and Herzegovina prompts legal action
September 4, 2019
The Republika Srpska entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina has breached competition legislation by halting its incentive scheme for wind farms in March this year, according to a complaint submitted today to the Energy Community Secretariat in Vienna by the Banja-Luka-based Center for Environment.
Let the sunshine in, say civil society groups
July 10, 2019
Eight civil society organisations last week submitted proposals for a revamp of Serbia’s renewables support scheme to the Ministry of Energy and Mining. Source: Let the sunshine in, say civil society groups
Civil society joins forces to push Europe beyond coal
November 2, 2017
To combat the worsening impacts of climate change and air pollution, civil society groups across 28 nations are today launching Europe Beyond Coal, a collective campaign to catalyse and hasten the move away from coal and towards clean renewable energy.
Fossil fuel subsidies by European public banks are underwriting climate change
September 28, 2017
European public banks who have repeatedly voiced their commitment to tackling the climate crisis and ‘greening’ their investment portfolios continue to dole out cash for fossil fuels extraction, distribution and consumption.
China subventioniert Kohle im Ausland
September 28, 2016
China gibt sich neuerdings als Energiewende-Pionier. Doch die Volksrepublik exportiert ihre Kohleindustrie zunehmend vor allem in Entwicklungsländer. Source: China subventioniert Kohle im Ausland – klimaretter.info
Guest post: Municipalities are crucial for citizen-owned renewable energy in the Czech Republic
June 21, 2016
Czech environmental and law groups have proposed a law amendment to revive the disadvantaged renewable energy sector in their country. Karel Polanecky from Bankwatch member group Hnuti Duha explains their initiative.
Up in smoke: the billions for Europe’s auto industry from the EU’s house bank
October 21, 2015
In the wake of last month’s Volkswagen (VW) emissions scandal, a Politico story, based on a Bankwatch analysis, revealed that the car manufacturer enjoyed generous public financial support from the European Investment Bank (EIB). But the full picture is even more disturbing.
Illegal coal subsidies could cost south-east European countries dearly, warns new study
June 8, 2015
Prague – New investments in coal mines and power plants could cost the Western Balkans and Ukraine dearly if they fail to take into account binding rules on subsidies (State aid), according to a new briefing released today by CEE Bankwatch Network.
Risks for coal and electricity investments in the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova due to state-aid rules
June 8, 2015
By signing the Energy Community Treaty in 2005, countries in the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova agreed that the European Union’s competition rules are to be applied also within their territory. A number of energy sector investments are being planned that may not so far have taken adequate account of State aid rules. This briefing therefore provides a summary to draw attention to relevant requirements of EU law and highlight the risks of failure to take them into account when planning investments. The account when planning investments.
Serbian government props up almighty coal
July 2, 2014
A new report by the Belgrade-based NGO CRTA shows that the Serbian government is supporting the Kostolac coal power plant and mines with loan guarantees and potentially VAT exemptions. Propping up the already dominant coal sector, however, will likely further increase Serbia’s vulnerability to extreme weather events. Increasing Serbia’s energy efficiency and renewables generation would be the wiser choice.
