Black wool over the EBRD’s eyes
May 13, 2025
Based on the North Macedonian government and state-owned energy utility AD ESM’s supposed commitment to a green energy transformation and just transition, the EBRD is supporting ESM with liquidity loans and technical assistance. However, in a not unexpected turn of events, the company is moving forward with the opening of a new lignite mine.
Keeping the flame alive with emission revenues: How the EU Modernisation Fund props up fossil gas and waste incineration
May 8, 2025
In operation since 2021, the Modernisation Fund was designed to channel EU emission trading revenues into investments in the energy transition in 13 lower-income Member States.
Why the EBRD must end support for primary forest biomass in the Western Balkans
May 7, 2025
This issue paper presents case studies from Bosnia and Herzegovina that highlight how EBRD-backed large-scale biomass projects have faced significant challenges related to sustainability, affordability, and fuel supply.
Unlocking Serbia’s district heating potential: The public energy services company model in focus
April 11, 2025
The Western Balkans is facing a pressing energy crisis, largely due to outdated district heating systems that waste vast amounts of energy. In Serbia alone, district heating networks serve over 700,0000 households, yet inefficiencies have led to energy losses of up to 12 per cent, resulting in higher costs and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Energy consumption per square metre is nearly triple that of western Europe, mainly due to poor insulation and ageing infrastructure. Rising energy prices and reliance on often imported fossil fuels make energy efficiency an economic necessity.
Where vested interests lie: An analysis of Kazakhstan’s coal, oil and gas industries
March 26, 2025
This study examines the practical steps Kazakhstan is taking to reduce the production of fossil fuels – specifically oil, gas and coal – in light of its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.
The southern gas interconnection from Croatia to Bosnia and Herzegovina: A stranded asset in the making
March 17, 2025
In light of increased activity around the southern gas interconnection between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in recent months, this briefing aims to examine the evidence presented in favour of the pipeline so far. Starting with a brief overview of
Comments on the ‘Identification of hydrogen infrastructure needs for the TEN-E priority corridors’ methodology
March 13, 2025
A joint submission to the 2025 public consultations on the methodology underlying the needs assessment for key tranboundary energy projects.
Czechia wants to phase out coal. But is natural gas the solution?
March 10, 2025
According to calculations by CEE Bankwatch, the Czech plants near Vrato and Opatovice alone are getting a total of almost 350 million euros in subsidies from the EU Modernisation Fund.
Romania: Key Black Sea gas pipeline goes on trial
February 27, 2025
‘Gas hub’ is Europe’s buzzword du jour, and the Romanian government certainly has high ambitions. With shiny new pipelines and a massive drilling rig in the Black Sea, Bucharest is working hard to capitalise on its neighbours’ fossil gas addiction – and to hell with the EU’s climate commitments. Even due process has been little more than an afterthought. Until this week.
Hungary’s fracking shame: Green groups challenge expansion of controversial Corvinus project
February 13, 2025
Shale gas extraction, or fracking, is so infamous for its environmental impacts that it is banned in multiple European countries. In Hungary, however, the authorities are looking to expand a fracking project near the border with Romania, despite it already worsening the climate crisis and threatening local agriculture. Campaigners are challenging these risky plans.
