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Home > Funding the energy transformation

Funding the energy transformation

Europe has ambitions to become the first climate–neutral continent. But transforming energy systems, especially in central and eastern Europe, requires substantial investment due to outdated infrastructure and reliance on fossil fuels. 

While the EU budget currently funds this transition, the key challenge is to ensure impactful, high-quality investments that are both environmentally and socially just.

Involving citizens in investment decisions leads to better outcomes, including greater acceptance, a stronger sense of ownership, and fewer harmful projects.

Bankwatch works to align EU financial flows with the European Green Deal objectives, ensuring they meet the needs of people and the planet.

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IN FOCUS


After recovery towards cohesion

The seven-year EU budget and the recovery plan constitute a generational opportunity to accelerate the energy transformation. We aim to funnel the money towards projects that benefit the climate and protect nature while being driven by locals. 

Just transition

Countries across central and eastern Europe are committing to quit coal and shale oil. Now the task is to ensure that the just transition is driven from the bottom up and leaves no one behind as we move towards a sustainable energy future.  

Building back biodiversity

Threats facing biodiversity are increasing alongside the drivers of the climate crisis. But investments in climate protection should not come at the expense of those that can help biodiversity. The two crises of climate and biodiversity are interconnected and both must be tackled together, because only by investing in nature can we tackle climate change. 

RegENERate: Mobilising Regions for Energetic Re-development and Transformative NECPs

The overall objective of the project is to support the CEE countries’ contribution to the EU efforts towards a net-zero emissions future. The project will contribute to more ambitious and effective climate and energy policies in CEE, backed by a long-term commitment to phase out fossil fuels, improve energy efficiency and promote renewable energy.

Open-pit mine, Konin, Poland, picture: Milena Antonowicz

RePower the Regions: Ambitious and inclusive clean energy plans for repowering the just transition regions

The participation and leadership of carbon-intensive regions in transitioning to clean energy solutions are prerequisites for achieving EU climate neutrality by 2050. Building on this premise, RePower the Regions aims to ensure that the regions’ clean energy plans are aligned with EU 2030 climate goals and have strong support locally, and to provide practical guidelines and roadmaps on how to repower the regions.

Latest news

Latvia’s cohesion policy at a crossroads: Balancing security priorities and green investments

Blog entry | 14 May, 2025

Latvia is rethinking how it allocates its EU cohesion policy funds, as growing security concerns linked to the regional geopolitical climate put pressure on previously agreed green investment priorities. But will this shift towards national defence undermine the country’s long-term environmental and climate goals?

Read more

Encouraging local input: Łódzkie voivodeship takes a more inclusive approach to just transition planning

Blog entry | 13 May, 2025

Non-governmental organisations in Poland’s post-coal regions face several unique challenges. The specific socio-economic conditions prevalent in these areas often impede the growth of a fully professionalised and well-organised environment that allows civil society to thrive. Yet, despite these challenges, signs of progressive change are emerging.

Read more

Pedalling forward in Daugavpils: Towards a cyclist-friendly city

Blog entry | 14 April, 2025

On the afternoon of 28 March, residents, municipal representatives, and locally elected officials joined a panel of experts in the Latvian city of Daugavpils to discuss the future of cycling in the city. The aim of the event was to identify existing challenges as well as practical solutions that might encourage more residents to choose cycling as a regular mode of transport.

Read more

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Related publications

On the Mid-Term Review Proposal for Amendments in the ERDF, CF and JTF regulations

Advocacy letter | 9 May, 2025 | Download PDF

This letter includes comments on the changes in the European Regional Development Fund, Cohesion Fund and Just Transition Fund regulations related to the mid-term review


Letter to EC President Von der Leyen calling to uphold climate, nature and public health priorities in the next EU budget

Letter | 8 May, 2025 | Download PDF

Letter to EC President Von der Leyen calling to uphold climate, nature and public health priorities in the next EU budget.


Shaping a European budget fit for climate action and a just transition

Briefing | 6 May, 2025 | Download PDF

This policy brief explores five key elements for an EU budget that promotes sustainability, social cohesion and transparent governance.


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