Community energy gathers momentum in Estonia
April 15, 2026 | Read more
Community energy has emerged as a quiet undercurrent in Estonia, but has yet to firmly establish itself in the broader energy debate. Still, a number of pioneering communities across the country have already taken control of their energy production and consumption. Aiming to replace fossil fuels with cleaner and more affordable alternatives, they have adopted practical solutions that combine local needs, renewable energy and cooperative collaboration.
The inclusion of electricity in the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) has raised questions about CBAM’s impacts on EU-Western Balkans market integration. But in a new joint civil society position paper, we argue that market integration can only work with a level playing field on environment and climate, and CBAM can contribute to this.
With fossil fuel phase-outs underway across Europe, many municipalities must urgently find ways to replace their coal- or gas-based district heating systems. Several resources are available from the EU to help municipalities plan and execute their energy transitions. One town in Slovakia has used these tools to modernise its own district heating system.
As Estonia prepares for the EU’s next long-term budget and financial instruments, it is equally important to assess how these new support measures are designed and reviewed. In collaboration with national authorities, we at the Estonian Green Movement are actively seeking solutions to ensure that support effectively reaches vulnerable households. To assist in this process, the Centre of Applied Social Sciences at the University of Tartu has developed a data-driven model that gives these households a fairer chance of accessing support.
Deregulation endangers Latvia’s forests
February 26, 2026 | Read more
Over the last year and half, the Latvian government has proposed multiple amendments to national environmental policies, often under the guise of ‘reducing administrative burdens’. But while simplifying procedures can speed up decision-making and ease workloads for businesses and landowners, the collateral damage can be significant – with nature, ecosystems and our collective well-being all at risk.
Fear and fossil fuels in Romania
February 11, 2026 | Read more
A draft law supported by thirty members of the Parliament, aims to roll back Romania’s coal phase out and, at the same time, delivers a masterclass in manipulation.
