In Poland, hydrogen-powered public transport – including refuelling stations and hydrogen production projects for transport – has been established almost exclusively through substantial public funding. However, projects that have already been suspended, cancelled or failed for financial reasons raise questions about whether the sector can survive in a market-driven environment.

Together with 27 civil society organisations, we have issued a joint statement calling on the EBRD to strengthen its strategy. They urge the Bank to adopt a more ambitious, rights-based approach that tackles backlash and addresses structural inequalities to ensure inclusive and accountable development outcomes.

Despite implementation challenges, the Just Transition Fund has delivered impacts that go beyond infrastructure and economic restructuring, supporting governance capacity, strategic thinking, and greater societal acceptance of change. This report, therefore, seeks to explain why continued and targeted support for regions in transition remains essential.

Although the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has a mandate to support the transition to democracy, data evaluating how well it performs this role remains scarce. Involving people affected by development projects in decision-making processes is an essential part of this transition, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. However, the EBRD’s reporting on its engagement with the public is limited.