In March, the European Commission published a proposal for the seventh Environment Action Programme (2014–2020), outlining priorities such as safeguarding natural capital, protecting human health, and enhancing climate resilience. 

In May, the EU’s new cohesion policy regulation was finalised, requiring that all operational programmes include environmental safeguards, with 20 per cent of the EU budget earmarked for climate-related spending. 

In July, after sustained pressure from Bankwatch and its partners, the EIB adopted its new energy lending criteria, effectively committing to phase out financing for coal and setting stronger restrictions on carbon-intensive projects. 

In November, following years of Bankwatch-led advocacy and legal action citing environmental risks, the EBRD officially withdrew from financing the Ombla hydropower project in Croatia. 

Throughout the year, we advocated for the EBRD to help mediate tensions between Ukrainian communities and electricity transmission companies, addressing long-standing conflicts over land rights and infrastructure development.