In January, the EIB suspended the disbursement of a EUR 200 million loan intended to dramatically increase passenger turnover at Budapest’s Ferenc Liszt international airport. The decision was influenced by concerns we had raised over environmental impacts and alignment with EU climate objectives. 

In February, Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, marking a major turning point for Europe. The conflict brought devastation to Ukraine and reshaped energy policies, defence strategies, and international alliances across the continent. In response, Bankwatch rapidly organised alongside its Ukrainian member groups to address the emerging challenges. 

In response to the war, the European Commission unveiled the REPowerEU plan in May with the aim of reducing dependence on Russian fossil fuels by boosting renewable energy and energy efficiency efforts. Bankwatch heavily engaged with this initiative, advocating for sustainable and equitable energy transitions. 

In November, the third edition of our Lung Run took place in Ugljevik, Bosnia and Herzegovina, gathering 50 participants from eight countries. After two years of virtual races due to COVID-19 restrictions, the return of our live event placed the just transition high on the local agenda in order to raise awareness about the effects of pollution across the region. 

In Latvia, plans for a liquefied natural gas terminal were cancelled – a decision reflecting shifting energy strategies in the region and influenced by the broader European push to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and enhance energy security.