EU Funds delivering domestic energy efficiency in Latvia – concerted facilitation and promotion is the key
March 13, 2012
Encouraging developments related to the deployment of EU funds in Latvia for improving household energy efficiency have reached Bankwatch Mail from Latvian Green Movement, our member group based in Riga.
EU funds for Czech incinerators in the balance thanks to local opposition
March 13, 2012
The European Commission is considering financial support for three new major municipal waste incinerator projects in the Czech Republic. The total cost for these projects is EUR 520 million and the projects have also requested a subsidy from the current Operational Programme for Environment (OPE) totalling EUR 184 million.
New EU funds map adds to calls for sustainable EU budget
March 13, 2012
Now in its fourth edition, Bankwatch and Friends of the Earth Europe’s map of environmentally and socially harmful projects in central and eastern Europe being paid for by – or in line for – billions of euros of EU money has been launched at a crucial moment.
State Commission warns of corruption and illegality at Šoštanj
March 13, 2012
Fresh controversy hit the proposed 600 MW lignite power plant at Šoštanj in Slovenia in late February when the Slovenian State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption issued a report in which it says corruption conditions existed at the time of the awarding of the construction contract to French company Alstom and continue to exist today. The Commission report also states that Slovenian lobbying legislation has been breached by the goings-on at Šoštanj.
Poland rejects EU money for jobs and energy independence at Environment Council
March 9, 2012
Poland’s veto against increasing Europe’s 2020 target for greenhouse gas emissions cuts to 25% is frustrating not only environmentalists in Poland and elsewhere.
Ukraine’s risky nuclear future shouldn’t receive European support
March 9, 2012
Ukraine plans to extend the lifetimes of its fifteen nuclear reactors, most of which will soon pass their expiration date. A new report shows how these plans that are pursued in utter silence have seen only an inadequate assessment.
Polish energy companies’ black propaganda threatens EU climate ambitions again
March 8, 2012
Poland is on course to place further large roadblocks in the way of the European Commission’s Roadmap 2050 towards a low-carbon economy unless certain demands being insisted on by Warsaw are met. These include the granting of free allowances for all 16 power plants that Poland has asked to be supported under the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme.
COGEN Slovakia, Cogeneration in Povazsky Chlmec
March 7, 2012
The new greenfield gas cogeneration power plant COGEN in north Slovakia is planned to produce power and heat. Located in Považský Chlmec, a town in the Žilina district, the new plant would further deteriorate the quality of life of locals, who have for decades been suffering from the negative impacts of a nearby waste disposal site and nearby highway.
Letter to rapporteurs for the Common Provisions Regulation of the future Cohesion Policy
March 2, 2012
The letter, sent by the Coalition for a sustainable EU Budget, includes discussion points that are crucial for the future Cohesion Policy regulations. Now, during the ongoing debates in the European Parliament, it is the role of MEPs to ensure that the EU becomes a resource efficient low-carbon economy, shifting Europe’s regions on a sustainable path.
Regional budget talks locked in ‘pre-crisis period’
March 1, 2012
Negotiations on the role regional funds will play in the EU’s next multi-annual budget are stagnating because talks are taking place in the context of the pre-crisis period, Fabian Zuleeg of the European Policy Centre told EurActiv in an interview.
