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 But transforming energy systems, especially in central and eastern Europe, requires substantial investment due to outdated infrastructure and reliance on fossil fuels.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
Just Transition plan for Slovak coal region Upper Nitra to be aproved today
Press release | 12 June, 2019The Upper Nitra regional parliament is today approving a plan for the region’s transition away from coal, which was created by the Slovak government based on inputs from the local community.
Read moreFinancing a just transition
Bankwatch in the media | 14 May, 2019With banks keen to give back to the community and finance a green future, an ideal opportunity has presented itself, writes Brian Caplen.Source: Financing a just transition
Read moreA “coal curtain” is the new Iron Curtain
Bankwatch in the media | 8 January, 2019The European Union’s goal to become climate neutral by 2050 needs joint effort to decarbonise its power sector. Yet, a “coal curtain” still seem to divide West and East, as most Eastern countries show hesitation or opposition when it comes to phasing out coal.
Read moreRelated publications
Cutting off the branch we’re sitting on: Urgent course correction needed on EU biodiversity financing to secure the EU’s natural resilience
Report | 31 October, 2025 | Download PDFHalfway through the implementation period of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, evidence is mounting that the EU and its Member States are not on track to fulfil their commitments.
Race to the top: Reform and investment proposals for the Social Climate Plans
Report | 31 October, 2025 | Download PDFEU Member States are now finalising their national social climate plans in order to access the EUR 86.7 billion Social Climate Fund from 1 January 2026.
The future of biodiversity financing: Where does it stand in the next EU budget
Briefing | 14 October, 2025 | Download PDFThis briefing explains what the next EU budget proposal may mean for funding projects which focus on nature restoration and protection.
