Protests at pan-European motorway project as time runs out for key wildlife site
June 5, 2019
Dozens of activists from across Europe have protested and dropped a banner at an international road in Kresna gorge, Bulgaria, to protest against the lack of action from the European Commission and the Bulgarian government to save the key EU-protected wildlife site.
New study finds climate and energy plans at odds with EU targets for circular economy and emissions reductions
June 5, 2019
For immediate release – Five countries in central and eastern Europe all plan a variety of waste incineration methods in their national energy and climate plans (NECPs), jeopardising their ability to meet mandatory European targets aimed at improving recycling rates, fostering a circular economy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the sector, finds a new report from CEE Bankwatch Network.
Waste incineration with energy recovery in the NECPs of Bulgaria, Hungary, Latvia, Poland and Slovakia
June 4, 2019
Bulgaria, Hungary, Latvia, Poland and Slovakia all plan to expand the use of waste incineration to generate energy (mostly heat) as part of their National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs). These plans will lead to much higher greenhouse gas emissions (
Taking the chill off Romania’s residential buildings
June 4, 2019
Energy efficiency is taking centre stage in the Energy Union. Last summer, after long negotiations between the Parliament and the Council, a new energy efficiency target was set at 32.5 per cent by 2030. To meet the target, Romania is channelling public funds into renovating its residential sector which accounts for as much as 86 per cent of the country’s built environment.
Bulgarian villagers call on the EBRD to ensure fair resettlement by coal company it finances
May 29, 2019
Beli Bryag, Bulgaria – Around one hundred villagers in the village of Beli Bryag, in Bulgaria’s Stara Zagora region, are anxiously awaiting for a resolution to their claims of proper resettlement by the Maritsa East mines, the company gearing up to expand its lignite mine to where the village currently stands. They have only until the end of the year before they are expropriated. [1]
EBRD to Stop Financing HPPs in Protected Areas
May 28, 2019
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced that starting from January 1, 2020 it will not finance hydropower plants (HPP) projects in areas with high biodiversity. EBRD to Stop Financing HPPs in Protected Areas
Czechs are turning greener ahead of the EU elections – will it show at the polls?
May 24, 2019
As the European Parliament elections begin, many commentators, especially in northern and western Europe, have hailed this year’s elections to be the first where climate change and policy will play a major role in voters’ decisions. Even in southern European countries, climate change has moved to the top of its political agenda. On the other, central and eastern European countries have allegedly missed this green wave sweeping through the EU.
BERZH ndryshon politikat mjedisore, nga 2020 nuk financon më HEC-e në zonat e mbrojtura
May 22, 2019
Banka Evropiane për Rindërtim dhe Zhvillim (BERZH) njoftoi këtë muaj se nga 1 janari 2020 do të kushtëzojë financimet e saj për ndërtimin e HEC-eve në bazë të politikës të re mjedisore dhe sociale të bankës. Ajo zotohet të mos financojë më projekte në
Complaint to the European Ombudsman regarding the EIB’s non-disclosure of information
May 14, 2019
This complaint is based on the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the EIB with theEuropean Ombudsman allowing the complainants who are not satisfied with the outcome of the procedure before the European Investment Bank-Complaints Mechanism (EIB-CM)
Bulgarian villagers in chronic limbo over coal mine expansion
May 6, 2019
Residents of Beli Bryag in Bulgaria’s Stara Zagora region anxiously await removal from their homes to make way for the expansion of a mine that feeds Maritsa East, the country’s largest coal complex.
