Western Balkans coal plants continue to breach pollution limits despite legal deadlines, report says

8 July 2026, IntelliNews

Coal-fired power plants across the Western Balkans emitted sulphur dioxide at more than six times legal limits in 2025, with dust pollution reaching its worst level since current emissions rules came into force eight years ago, according to a report published on June 23 by environmental watchdog Bankwatch.

The report, the latest edition of Bankwatch’s annual Comply or Close assessment, said ageing coal plants in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Serbia continued to violate pollution ceilings agreed under the Energy Community Treaty, despite years of warnings and multiple legal proceedings.

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