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 But transforming energy systems, especially in central and eastern Europe, requires substantial investment due to outdated infrastructure and reliance on fossil fuels.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.
IN FOCUS
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.
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, 2025Latvia 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 moreEncouraging local input: Łódzkie voivodeship takes a more inclusive approach to just transition planning
Blog entry | 13 May, 2025Non-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 morePedalling forward in Daugavpils: Towards a cyclist-friendly city
Blog entry | 14 April, 2025On 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 moreRelated publications
Proposal for just transition in Western Balkans for next Multiannual Financial Framework
Briefing | 2 May, 2025 | Download PDFWith the financing for just transition on the EU level under threat, the ambition for moving forward with just transition on the local level in the Western Balkans is rapidly decreasing because the EU is not prioritising the process. To revive ambition
Proposals for the next EU budget
Policy comments | 24 April, 2025 | Download PDFOur current crises stem from the environmental and social injustices of past decades. It is therefore essential that we learn from current EU budget instruments to create a coherent, strategic, enforceable and accessible framework for the next EU budget.
Biodiversity funding in the EU’s next long-term budget: Opportunities and risks for national plans
Statement | 27 March, 2025 | Download PDFThis joint statement highlights the key opportunities and challenges for improving the design and deployment of biodiversity financing in the next EU budget, particularly if national plans are introduced.
