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Ido Liven
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Browse our press releases below
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s draft NECP: The good, the bad and the ugly
Blog entry | 20 July, 2023Bosnia and Herzegovina’s draft NECP finally looks to the future, plans no new fossil fuel power plants and significantly scales back unrealistic hydropower plans. But existing coal plants are to keep operating illegally and the draft is furtive about coal-to-biomass plans.
Read moreThe Taia hydropower plant: the latest ecocide to hit Romania
Blog entry | 19 July, 2023In recent years, Romania has witnessed a concerning rise in cases of environmental degradation and violations of nature protection laws. This trend has significant implications not only for the country’s natural heritage but also for the rule of law. Additionally, it poses challenges for environmental organisations and citizens that advocate for nature conservation. The long-contested small hydropower plant on the Taia river is a prominent case in point.
Read moreCzech recovery plan greener with REPowerEU, but risks remain
Blog entry | 18 July, 2023With the addition of the new REPowerEU chapter, the Czech recovery plan has undergone significant changes, particularly the removal of two fossil fuel projects that had been previously considered. However, crucial reforms are still needed to keep the country on track to meet its EU climate targets.
Read moreSerbia’s draft NECP: What is the actual plan?
Blog entry | 17 July, 2023Serbia’s draft National Energy and Climate Plan is currently on public consultation until 28 July. But despite some positive measures, it raises more questions than it answers.
Read moreNew report – deadly legal breaches by Western Balkan coal plants increased in 2022
Press release | 28 June, 2023In 2022, deadly air pollution from the Western Balkans’ coal power plants increased compared to 2021, according to the fifth edition of Bankwatch’s Comply or Close report, published today (1). Emissions of all three regulated pollutants – sulphur dioxide (SO2), dust and nitrogen oxides (NOx) grew, and for the first time, the region’s overall limit for NOx was breached.
Read moreHungary urgently needs a complete overhaul of its energy planning
Blog entry | 27 June, 2023Hungary could escape the trap of fossil energy dependence with focused plans on energy transition and enhanced support for households.
Read moreSlovakia’s REPowerEU chapter is delivering, but focus needs to shift from big business to social organisations
Blog entry | 27 June, 2023In April 2023, Slovakia submitted a request to the European Commission to update its recovery and resilience plan, which involves the addition of an REPowerEU chapter. But although the plan includes appropriate measures to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, it still gives the ‘green light’ to fossil gas boilers and nuclear-derived hydrogen, while prioritising the profits of large companies over social facilities for older persons and other vulnerable groups.
Read moreSerbia: Complaints over illegal operation of Morava coal power plant
Press release | 23 June, 2023A complaint by the Renewables and Environmental Regulatory Institute (RERI) and CEE Bankwatch Network (1) challenging Serbia’s failure to comply with pollution control rules under the Energy Community Treaty was recorded yesterday by the the Energy Community Secretariat in Vienna (2).
Read moreGreen light for major Black Sea gas project will accelerate the climate crisis
Press release | 21 June, 2023Romania’s OMV-Petrom announced today its final investment decision on the Neptun Deep fossil gas project in the Black Sea. If built, this massive offshore development could be the final nail in the coffin for Romania’s—and the EU’s—commitments to stem the climate crisis.
Read moreEU Member States jeopardising economic recovery by locking citizens out of decision-making
Press release | 20 June, 2023EU Member States are exacerbating economic inequality, eroding democracy and obstructing efforts to create a green, transformative European economy by marginalising citizens in decision-making, a new report by the Citizens’ Observatory for Green Deal Financing reveals (20 June).
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