Why we’re taking legal action on renewables permitting
September 22, 2023
It might seem counterintuitive for organisations that promote a sustainable energy transition to challenge EU initiatives to speed up renewable energy deployment. But due to undemocratic decisions that undermine environmental safeguards and public participation, that’s what we’ve been compelled to do.
Mapping the road to a just transition in central and eastern Europe: an analysis of Territorial Just Transition Plans in 7 countries. September 2023 update – part I
September 21, 2023
Following the brief introduction to the Just Transition Mechanism, this briefing provides an analysis of the approved Territorial Just Transition Plans and identifies what these countries actually intend to do to alleviate the impacts of the transition to carbon neutrality.
Hungarian public given just two weeks to voice concerns over EUR 5.5 billion REPowerEU chapter
August 7, 2023
Despite months of preparatory negotiations between the Hungarian government and the European Commission, the Hungarian public has only two weeks in August to participate in the public consultation on the extensive 67-page draft REPowerEU chapter before it’s submitted to the European Commission by 31 August.
Cutting off the pipeline from REPowerEU to the fossil gas industry
July 27, 2023
In May 2022, the European Commission, in response to the energy crisis, launched the REPowerEU plan – a set of measures aimed at ending the EU’s dependence on Russian fossil fuel imports by 2027. The plan emphasises the diversification of gas and oil supply sources, the replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy sources by accelerating Europe’s clean energy transition, and the reduction of energy consumption, primarily gas, in the EU. Yet despite its ambitious scope, the plan excessively prioritises the interests of the fossil fuel industry.
Czech recovery plan greener with REPowerEU, but risks remain
July 18, 2023
With the addition of the new REPowerEU chapter, the Czech recovery plan has undergone significant changes, particularly the removal of two fossil fuel projects that had been previously considered. However, crucial reforms are still needed to keep the country on track to meet its EU climate targets.
Serbia’s draft NECP: What is the actual plan?
July 17, 2023
Serbia’s draft National Energy and Climate Plan is currently on public consultation until 28 July. But despite some positive measures, it raises more questions than it answers.
National energy and climate plans: catalysts for the energy transition or box-ticking exercises?
June 30, 2023
The following report shows how seven central and eastern European (CEE) countries are approaching the NECP revision and details how the context has changed since the initial NECPs were prepared in 2018 and 2019.
European Green Deal – workshop for NGOs
June 28, 2023
The event was dedicated to NGOs focused on the European Green Deal (EGD) and European funds. It aimed to provide representatives of civil society, particularly members of monitoring committees, with crucial knowledge of EU funds and their alignment with the EGD.
Hungary urgently needs a complete overhaul of its energy planning
June 27, 2023
Hungary could escape the trap of fossil energy dependence with focused plans on energy transition and enhanced support for households.
Slovakia’s REPowerEU chapter is delivering, but focus needs to shift from big business to social organisations
June 27, 2023
In April 2023, Slovakia submitted a request to the European Commission to update its recovery and resilience plan, which involves the addition of an REPowerEU chapter. But although the plan includes appropriate measures to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, it still gives the ‘green light’ to fossil gas boilers and nuclear-derived hydrogen, while prioritising the profits of large companies over social facilities for older persons and other vulnerable groups.
