State guarantee vote for TES 6 overshadowed by OLAF corruption investigation
July 20, 2012
A state guarantee law supporting the construction of a 600 MW lignite plant at Sostanj in Slovenia (TES 6) was passed this week despite allegations of corruption against the management of the company remaining unsettled. Even more, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) recently opened an official investigation into TES 6. (1)
‘Green’ EU budget to pump more money into brownfields
July 20, 2012
The EU’s new regional funds for 2014-2020 will see more money allocated to the regeneration of brownfield sites, helping old industrial areas generate new economic activity.
Fossil Fuels Denied European Public Subsidies
July 13, 2012
MEPs sitting on the regional development committee have rejected a proposal that would have allowed public subsidies to be spent on fossil fuel infrastructure projects under the European Regional and Development Fund.
MEPs reject plans for fossil fuel subsidies
July 13, 2012
For every $1 of government support given to renewable energy around the world, at least $5 are given to fossil fuels, according to the International Energy Agency.
MEPs call for responsible new EBRD mining strategy
July 12, 2012
Brussels – The new mining strategy of the EBRD risks contradicting the EU Resource Efficiency Roadmap and responsible mining principles, argue 22 MEPs in an open letter to European Commissioners which asks the EC to take a more active role in improving the EBRD mining strategy currently under review. (1)
Parliament to vote on ‘new era’ regional funds
July 11, 2012
The European Parliament’s regional committee is holding a vote today (11 July) on legislation that some MEPs say will bring cohesion funds into “a new era” and jump-start negotiations with member states over the EU’s next budget for 2014-2020.
MEP vote on EU budget is test of climate commitment
July 10, 2012
Brussels, Belgium – A European Parliament committee vote tomorrow (Wednesday July 11), with a major bearing on EU budget spending for the 2014-2020 period, must reject the re-classification of fossil fuels as ‘low-carbon’, urged environmental groups today.
Flights of fancy – A case study on aviation and EU funds in Poland
July 9, 2012
The study reviews the rationale of EU Cohesion Policy investments in airport infrastructure using the example of Poland. Both the development and maintenance of airport infrastructure benefit from EU, national and regional budget support. Beyond this, public money flows to airline companies, in practice as gratification for opening and sustaining flight connections.
Off Their Game – The Green 10’s Mid-Term Review of the European Commission’s Environmental Track Record 2010-2012
July 3, 2012
Halfway through its term in office, the European Commission is off target in creating sustainable long-term prosperity in Europe. The report assesses progress in nine EU policy fields with impacts on the environment and reviews the track record of 13 European Commissioners and Commission President José Manuel Barroso.
Cohesion Policy 2014-2020 priorities for the Cyprus Presidency 2012
July 1, 2012
During the Cyprus Presidency the ordinary legislative procedure for adopting the regulatory framework on the future Cohesion Policy shall be concluded.
