Klima leidet unter EU-Gezerre
November 8, 2012
Das Klima und die Wirtschaft leiden unter dem starrsinnigen EU-Haushaltsstreit. Durch das politische Gezerre um die Höhe des künftigen EU-Budgets drohen “grüne” Wirtschaftsimpulse unterzugehen. Jede weitere Verzögerung könnte die Zweckbindung von 20 Prozent der EU-Mittel für Klimaschutzmaßnahmen ramponieren.
Letters to companies shortlisted to bid for the Plomin coal power plant
November 8, 2012
Four companies have been shortlisted and invited to submit binding bids for the construction of unit C at the Plomin coal power plant in Croatia. Croatian Bankwatch member group Zelena Akcija/Green Action sent letters to all four companies with information on the legal and economic challenges of the project and the local opposition against it.
Public-private partnerships in the EU at lowest level for ten years, but more blood transfusions from project bonds coming soon
November 7, 2012
Although public-private partnerships appear to become increasingly untenable for public authorities, they are further being promoted by the European Commission and the European Investment Bank. An official in-depth evaluation of this financing model, however, is still nowhere to be seen.
Open letter on the partnership principle in the future Cohesion Policy 2014-2020
November 6, 2012
The letter is signed by 42 organisations, reflecting an impressive diversity of stakeholders with a unanimous concern: improving not weakening the partnership principle in Cohesion Policy. Commissioners for for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion Laszlo Andor and Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn responded on behalf of the European Commission on January 18, 2013. Download their letter as pdf.
Crunch time at Sostanj
November 5, 2012
November is shaping up to be crunch time for a new 600 MW lignite plant planned to be built at Sostanj in Slovenia. If the Slovenian government doesn’t manage to offer a state guarantee for loans from European public banks that should cover half the construction costs by the end of this month, the project could fail. At Bankwatch, we’re preparing our popcorn for the latest Sostanj thriller, on show across Europe this month.
Quality spending still off the table as Cyprus issues draft budget figures
October 30, 2012
Brussels — Indicative figures for Europe’s 2014-2020 budget offer little hope of a green future for agricultural and regional spending, according to CEE Bankwatch Network and Friends of the Earth Europe.
EU budget update: Are Europe’s leaders serious about taking the green shirt off all of our backs?
October 23, 2012
With a key EU summit one month away, how do things currently stand with the tortuous, plate tectonic-esque EU budget 2014-2020 negotiations?
Clean, green EU spending is possible – New map highlights European regional spending that works for environment and people
October 18, 2012
Visit 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.
Europe needs targeted cohesion funding
October 18, 2012
On the eve of last Friday’s ‘Friends of Cohesion Policy’ meeting in Bratislava, Slovakia’s prime minister, Robert Fico, set out in your newspaper (“The Cohesion policy is good for all”, 4-10 October) why the European Union’s net beneficiary states want no cuts to the future multi-annual financial framework (MFF) 2014-20. Boosting jobs and growth was Fico’s message, reinforced by the countries at the Bratislava meeting, but with very few concrete details and, of course, some obligatory nods to ‘better spending’.
When loyalty blocks climate action – Polish parliament pledges allegiance
October 17, 2012
The 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.
