Lessons learned from Germany’s 20-year experiment in energy transformation
November 19, 2018
Germany pioneered broad support measures for renewable energy by the late 1990s. These measures, referred to as Energiewende or ‘energy transformation’, offer a valuable insight for other countries, which introduced support mechanisms for renewable energy later or have not done so yet.
EU’s ‘just transition fund’ gesture muddies budget waters
November 15, 2018
Europe’s fossil fuel-dependent regions could benefit from an additional €5 billion under the next EU budget, thanks to a proposal endorsed by the European Parliament. But it could complicate already complex talks with the Council, which is eager to cut
Carbon sleight of hand continues at Czech coal giant
November 12, 2018
The quasi state-owned Czech energy company ČEZ is up to its old tricks again. It celebrates a 30 % reduction in emissions, praising the public free allowances, and conveniently forgets to link the drop in emissions with the sale of some of its largest power plants.
Romania’s energy transition: to be or not to be
November 1, 2018
Facing numerous economic and environmental challenges, Romania’s energy industry needs a coherent, sustainable and stable action plan that prioritises transparency in decision-making and consultation of all involved. On 17 October, to identify the necessary measures, Bankwatch Romania organised a workshop titled Opportunities for transition to clean energy in Romania.
Strong Commission push for climate action in the next EU budget risks backslide in Parliament and Council
October 31, 2018
Today the Council of the EU is exchanging views on a key piece of the legislation that will govern the one trillion euro EU budget after 2020. While the Commission is proposing an ambitious target for climate spending, developments in the Parliament threaten this move.
Bosnia-Herzegovina coal plant loan guarantee complaint under investigation by the Energy Community Secretariat
October 22, 2018
A guarantee for a EUR 614 million loan from the China Eximbank for the Tuzla 7 coal plant fails to meet EU requirements on energy subsidies.
Romania ‘gave illegal permits’ to own energy firm
October 12, 2018
The Oltenia Energy Complex took over people’s land, mined lignite and increased coal production despite state climate action pledges. Source: Romania ‘gave illegal permits’ to own energy firm
Open letter to ministers regarding the EU Budget
October 10, 2018
This letter was sent to EU ministers ahead of the General Affairs Council regarding the Multiannual Financial Framework after 2020.
European development money ‘helps sustain fossil fuel firms’
October 9, 2018
Five of Europe’s biggest climate offenders continue to enjoy billions of euros in public funds, according to a Bankwatch report Source: European development money ‘helps sustain fossil fuel firms’
European public banks continue financing coal bonanza
October 1, 2018
The EIB and EBRD have been channelling billions of euros in public money to fossil fuels dependent companies, hampering the international community’s efforts to tackle climate change.
