Financing a just transition in Gorj, Romania
April 14, 2020
The report Financing a just transition in Gorj, Romania analyses the way EU funding was spent between 2007 and 2013 to mitigate the social costs of layoffs within Oltenia Energy Complex by retraining and labour market reintegration.
Green Agenda for the Western Balkans – time to plan for a resilient and protective future
April 3, 2020
The Green Agenda must be based on sustainable decarbonisation of the Western Balkans’ economies by 2050, in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and EU climate and energy policies. All countries need to commit to climate and energy targets by 2030, in line with the EU’s ambition.
Joint NGO proposals on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans
April 3, 2020
The Western Balkans has the necessary resources not only for sustainable renewable energy and energy savings, but also for the production of healthy food, while nurturing its exceptional biodiversity. With only 18 million inhabitants, change in the region should not be as daunting a task as in larger economies, if carried out efficiently, with true political commitment and regional cooperation.
Croatian hydropower plant highlights loopholes in EIB environmental policies
April 2, 2020
The EIB-financed Ilovac hydropower plant was built on the river Kupa in north-west Croatia at around the same time as scientists established the existence of a new fish species there – Alburnus sava. Since the dam’s construction, the species has not been found at the site. Has Alburnus sava’s habitat been degraded for just 1.4 MW of installed power?
Gone with the Flow, A case study of biodiversity loss caused by Ilovac Hydropower plant, Croatia
April 2, 2020
This case study aims to demonstrate that the EIB’s environmental and social (E&S) and transparency policies are insufficiently equipped to prevent the negative impacts of hydropower plants on sensitive ecosystems, in particular when the hydropower project (1) is financed via an intermediary bank and/or (2) is located outside of the EU.
A dozen green deal steps for the new Slovak government
April 1, 2020
With the appointment of a new centre-right government in Slovakia on 21 March, the Slovak Climate Initiative prepared a twelve point programme to move Slovakia closer to its climate and energy goals.
EU carbon tax: A much-needed nudge for decarbonisation in the Western Balkans?
March 30, 2020
An EU consultation is currently ongoing on the plans to introduce a carbon border tax. Bankwatch sees this as an important opportunity to make sure Western Balkan electricity producers play by the rules when participating in the EU energy market.
Assessment of waste incineration capacities in the Upper Nitra region
March 26, 2020
A new study commissioned by Friends of the Earth-CEPA and Bankwatch estimates that a planned waste incinerator in Novaky, Slovakia will not solve energy, climate or waste issues. According to the analysis, it will be almost impossible for the plant to meet supply quotas and new recycling targets. Considering the high level of CO2 emissions from waste incineration, this solution will furthermore continue to pollute the environment while also preventing Slovakia from investing in renewables.
The ‘smart’ transformation of a Black Sea metropolis
March 25, 2020
Burgas has recently been named the ‘Best city to live in Bulgaria’ – which may just have something to do with its strategy of transforming itself into a climate-friendly city without leaving any of its residents behind.
Just Transition Fund needs stronger safeguards on inclusion and decarbonisation
March 20, 2020
Last week, the feedback period on the EU’s proposed regulation for the Just Transition Fund (JTF) closed. CEE Bankwatch Network was among over 150 organisations and individuals that submitted comments.
