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Western Balkans: Environmental groups challenge Commission’s breach of Reform and Growth Facility safeguards

13 January, 2025

CEE Bankwatch Network and Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe have formally requested a review (1) of the European Commission’s decision to approve five Western Balkan countries’ Reform Agendas under the new Reform and Growth Facility. The groups argue that the approval breached EU law by failing to apply mandatory environmental safeguards and public consultation requirements.

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EU’s Modernisation Fund continues to fund fossil fuels and waste incineration projects, undermining climate and environmental goals

20 December, 2024

The European Commission yesterday announced the disbursement of EUR 2.7 billion from the EU Modernisation Fund to support 39 investment projects across eight Member States. However, CEE Bankwatch Network’s analysis shows that a significant portion of this funding is being disbursed to projects that contradict the EU’s climate and energy targets for 2030.

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Bosnia and Herzegovina southern gas interconnector: ‘Why gas at all?’ should be the key question

18 December, 2024

The long-running controversy about the planned southern gas interconnector between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) has dramatically reignited this month. After fervent lobbying by the US Ambassador to BiH, a special law on the project was adopted by the first of two houses of the Federation of BiH entity parliament on 12 December. But political controversies have monopolized the debate, with hardly a word on its energy, economic or climate implications.

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Heating the heights: Žabljak’s bold move towards sustainable warmth

11 December, 2024

Perched 1,456 metres above sea level in the Durmitor National Park in Montenegro, Žabljak, the highest urban settlement in the Western Balkans, is looking for new heating solutions. A 2020 pre-feasibility suggested biomass, but determined to avoid air pollution and deforestation, the local authorities set out to find a better way forward.

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Bern Convention: Western Balkan countries need to propose new protected natural areas

9 December, 2024

The Bern Convention on Friday set a new target and agreed on a roadmap for the expansion of the Emerald Network of protected areas. The aim of the Network is to preserve endangered species and habitats throughout Europe.

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