Clean, green EU spending is possible – New map highlights European regional spending that works for environment and people
Press release | 18 October, 2012Visit http://www.wellspent.eu to see how European projects funded by Cohesion Policy are working for the environment, society and the economy. Brussels, October 18, 2012 – A new publication released today documenting regional spending during the 2007-2013 period highlights how in times of economic and environmental crisis, Cohesion Policy can guide investments that are sustainable, innovative and really benefit the public. CEE Bankwatch Network, Friends of the Earth Europe and WWF published today a map showing where European regional spending has triggered environmental protection and sustainable development – including public transport, renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
Read moreCovering the Balkans in Soot: The New European Energy Community Strategy Favours Fossil Fuel Reliance
Press release | 17 October, 2012Brussels — Neighbouring countries of the EU from the Western Balkans to Ukraine are planning unsustainable energy futures relying on coal and nuclear. An energy strategy for the region to be approved Thursday by the European Energy Community indicates that such investments in dirty fuels could happen with EU support and financing.
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When loyalty blocks climate action – Polish parliament pledges allegiance
Blog entry | 17 October, 2012The Polish government has a sad reputation for adopting unilateral, even obscure approaches when it comes to our country’s energy policy. What now came as a very disappointing surprise is that the Polish parliament joined the opportunistic chorus of denial – one that considers alternatives to the continued reliance on fossil fuels as a threat to Poland’s security.
Read moreVideo: Notes for a better Europe
Blog entry | 17 October, 2012European spending is often considered unnecessary, beaurocratic, and even damaging. We’re the last ones to deny that in Bankwatch. Yet, we are convinced that EU spending – if it is done right – can truly serve the public interest by creating jobs, reducing energy bills, minimizing air pollution, etc. Our new video highlights how some European projects are showing the way to a greener Europe and a better world.
Read moreEuro Parliament vote sends positive signal for greening the EU budget
Press release | 11 October, 2012Brussels, Belgium — Today’s voting by the European Parliament Budget Committee in favour of at least 20 percent of the future EU budget for 2014-20 going to address climate change, was welcomed by CEE Bankwatch Network and Friends of the Earth Europe.
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EU budget negotiations: a zero-sum game?
Blog entry | 3 October, 2012The seven-year EU budget could unlock investment and jobs, but only if the shadow-boxing around the negotiating table ends now.
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Continued EU budget battle could sacrifice clean energy investments and clog economic recovery
Blog entry | 25 September, 2012Continued debates about a reduction of the future EU budget jeopardise the potential of using EU funds for energy efficiency and renewables investments to provide necessary economic stimulus and climate mitigation.
Read moreClimate action missing as ministers dance around EU budget ‘Pandora’s box’
Press release | 24 September, 2012Brussels, Belgium — Today’s General Affairs Council meeting to discuss the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020 (MFF) saw further stalemate between those member states seeking to ensure no cuts to the European commission’s outline MFF proposals, and those member states determined that cuts must occur while insisting that the emphasis must instead be on the ‘quality’ of future MFF spending.
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No Half Measures: Investment Needs in Energy Efficiency and Renewables in Central and Eastern Europe
Press release | 13 September, 2012Brussels — At least 172 billion euros need to be invested in energy efficiency and renewables in central and eastern Europe over the next seven years to kick start the decarbonisation of the region and create hundreds of thousands of much needed jobs, shows a study published today by CEE Bankwatch Network [1]. The next EU budget (2014-2020) could contribute to these needs if current short-sighted attempts by some member states to cut the overall size of the budget are prevented.
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Another success against Czech incineration, government in blissful ignorance
Blog entry | 29 August, 2012The putting on hold (for now) of another waste incinerator project confirms a negative assessment of the Czech Republic’s performance in waste management. And still, the Czech government fails to grasp that the only properly sustainable way forward is investment in recycling and waste reduction.
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