Western Balkan governments still complicit in deadly coal pollution – new report
June 17, 2025
In 2024, Western Balkan governments’ chronic law enforcement failures allowed sulphur dioxide (SO2) pollution from the region’s antiquated coal power plants to exceed legal limits by six times, according to the seventh edition of Bankwatch’s Comply or Close report, published today (1). Dust and nitrogen oxides (NOx) pollution from coal plants also continued to exceed legal limits.
Joint NGO statement: New EU budget must ensure dedicated funds for environmental protection and just transition in the Western Balkans
May 28, 2025
68 civil society organisations have today issued a joint statement calling on the EU to ensure dedicated funds for environmental protection and just transition of coal-dependent regions in the Western Balkans in the post-2027 EU budget.
Joint NGO statement on the future of the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) in the post-2027 EU budget
May 28, 2025
This joint statement signed by 68 civil society organisations calls on the EU to ensure dedicated funds for environmental protection and just transition of coal-dependent regions in the Western Balkans
Concerns raised over new coal mining project in light of North Macedonia’s decarbonisation goals
May 27, 2025
CEE Bankwatch Network and Eko-svest have recently raised serious concerns regarding a proposed coal mining project in North Macedonia. The plan to open a new lignite mine in the Pelagonija region comes as a surprise, as the region is already affected by three other operating mines and the project contradicts the country’s coal phase-out commitments.
Black wool over the EBRD’s eyes
May 13, 2025
Based on the North Macedonian government and state-owned energy utility AD ESM’s supposed commitment to a green energy transformation and just transition, the EBRD is supporting ESM with liquidity loans and technical assistance. However, in a not unexpected turn of events, the company is moving forward with the opening of a new lignite mine.
Why the EBRD must end support for primary forest biomass in the Western Balkans
May 7, 2025
This issue paper presents case studies from Bosnia and Herzegovina that highlight how EBRD-backed large-scale biomass projects have faced significant challenges related to sustainability, affordability, and fuel supply.
Proposal for just transition in Western Balkans for next Multiannual Financial Framework
May 2, 2025
With the financing for just transition on the EU level under threat, the ambition for moving forward with just transition on the local level in the Western Balkans is rapidly decreasing because the EU is not prioritising the process. To revive ambition
Pedalling forward in Daugavpils: Towards a cyclist-friendly city
April 14, 2025
On the afternoon of 28 March, residents, municipal representatives, and locally elected officials joined a panel of experts in the Latvian city of Daugavpils to discuss the future of cycling in the city. The aim of the event was to identify existing challenges as well as practical solutions that might encourage more residents to choose cycling as a regular mode of transport.
Unlocking Serbia’s district heating potential: The public energy services company model in focus
April 11, 2025
The Western Balkans is facing a pressing energy crisis, largely due to outdated district heating systems that waste vast amounts of energy. In Serbia alone, district heating networks serve over 700,0000 households, yet inefficiencies have led to energy losses of up to 12 per cent, resulting in higher costs and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Energy consumption per square metre is nearly triple that of western Europe, mainly due to poor insulation and ageing infrastructure. Rising energy prices and reliance on often imported fossil fuels make energy efficiency an economic necessity.
Outcome undisclosed: EIB Group Complaints Mechanism leaves Corridor Vc complainants in the dark
March 21, 2025
This case study summarises the circumstances of the complaints against the project, the conclusions of the EIB Complaints Mechanism, the outcomes and recommendations for the next review of the EIB Group Complaints Mechanism Policy.
