During much of the past 13 months – the longest streak of record-breaking global temperatures – EU governments have been revising their climate strategies. Yet, instead of increasing ambition at a time of a climate emergency, as they have committed to do, policymakers in central and eastern Europe appear keen to sustain their countries’ addiction to fossil gas.
Lack of transparency in financing export in Czechia
July 12, 2024 | Read more
Instead of supporting the export of Czech goods, the taxpayer’s money in the Czech Republic is being spent with lack of transparency, allowing support of the export of products of unclear origin as well as projects for which, despite the regulations, the environmental and social impact is not assessed.
It’s time to reflect on the 2024 Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2024), held in Berlin in June. Bringing together over 3,400 participants across four thematic dimensions, with the Recovery Forum as the centrepiece, the conference highlighted the critical role of municipalities in Ukraine’s recovery efforts. Key discussions revolved around the distribution of financial resources, strengthening capacity, and nurturing partnerships.
The environmental and social impact assessment for the planned Prenj tunnel on the Corridor Vc motorway provides a wealth of details on some issues, but fundamental questions remain, particularly on the Bijela canyon Emerald site near Konjic and the Podgorani area near Mostar.
Following concerns from local people, the Aarhus Centre in Sarajevo and CEE Bankwatch Network have started legal actions on the lack of environmental impact assessment and appropriate assessment for the 132 MW Poklečani wind project in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Hasty decisions by the Federation of BiH authorities and European Investment Bank might end up delaying the project for years.
Photovoltaic panels on government buildings and homes, upgrades to the electricity system, a scheme for geothermal district heating, and investments in modern education. These aren’t the initiatives of a bustling capital city, but the ambitious plans of a small village in western Romania.