Towards Green Cohesion seminar – Key demands
February 4, 2025
This document presents key recommendations for shaping the future of the EU’s post-2027 cohesion policy.
EIB Group Complaints Mechanism ineffective in addressing complaints submitted in relation to the Budapest Airport expansion project
January 31, 2025
In this case study, we explain the inefficiencies using a real-life example – the Budapest Airport Expansion Project – and make recommendations for the next review of the EIB Group Complaints Mechanism Policy.
Opportunities for public participation with international donors during Ukraine’s reconstruction
January 30, 2025
Ukrainian civil society is the main beneficiary and the driving force of Ukraine’s reconstruction. Ukraine Facility Regulation invites socio-economic partners and civil society to participate in the Ukraine Plan implementation assessment by sending the European Commission ‘opinions.’ However, there proves to be a limited space for influence. At the same time, the Ukraine Donor Platform will engage with Ukraine’s civil society four times a year at the Steering Committee and expert levels. However, given the profound importance of Ukraine’s reconstruction, political platforms should strengthen their role in ensuring legitimate decision-making. For 2025, the priority should be establishing detailed procedures for CSO (civil society organisation) ‘opinions,’ including clear submission timelines, follow-up processes, and improved communication about opportunities to influence the Ukraine Facility implementation and Ukraine Donor Platform.
Răstolița: Major destruction for minimal energy
January 20, 2025
Nestled at the foothills of Călimani National Park in eastern Romania, the Răstolița river, a tributary of the Mureș, flows through a pristine and biodiverse landscape. However, this idyllic setting is under threat from the Răstolița hydropower project, a relic of the communist era. Designed over 30 years ago, this outdated project is incompatible with modern environmental standards and poses a severe threat to the unique ecosystem of the Răstolița river, home to the endangered Danube salmon.
Needs and priorities for biodiversity funding: A comparative analysis of Hungary and Poland
December 20, 2024
This publication provides an overview of the priorities for national biodiversity needs in two countries – Hungary and Poland.
RePowering the regions: A comparative analysis of decarbonisation strategies in nine central and eastern European countries
December 18, 2024
This comparative analysis of decarbonisation strategies in nine central and eastern European countries aims to enhance knowledge of decarbonisation pathways.
Cohesion policy at a crossroads: Navigating the 2025 mid-term review and the next EU budget
December 6, 2024
This report brings insight in to how the mid-term review offers flexibility for EU member states to improve their cohesion policy programmes.
The European Commission’s proposed Reform and Growth Facility for the Republic of Moldova
December 4, 2024
This briefing uses the experience from the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility and the Western Balkans Reform and Growth Facility approved earlier this year to propose improvements in the Commission’s proposed Regulation.
Closing the door on waste incineration for district heating in central and eastern Europe
December 2, 2024
This issue paper underlines that Member States and public financing should align with EU principles and avoid investments that lock them into unsustainable practices like waste incineration.
Ukraine’s Single Project Pipeline sectoral distribution and prioritisation: recommendations for improvements
November 13, 2024
This briefing examines Ukraine’s Single Public Investment Projects Portfolio, highlighting concerns over project quality and prioritisation.