Balkan governments unprepared for new EU pollution rules
August 17, 2017
New EU rules entering into force today, to limit pollution from power plants, will also apply in most Western Balkan countries. But the region’s governments are so far acting like they don’t exist.
Guest post: A win for citizen activism after UNESCO asks Macedonia to stop all construction projects on Lake Ohrid
June 27, 2017
After a field visit to the Lake Ohrid in Macedonia, the UNESCO requested the Macedonian government to halt construction projects in the area, one of which is supported by the European Bank For Reconstruction and Development.
[Campaign update] EU urged to act on Western Balkans smog after alarming pollution levels were found
June 26, 2017
Results of more than half a year of independent air pollution monitoring in the Balkans have been launched today. During a conference at the European Parliament today, MEPs, European Commission and Energy Community representatives, NGOs and citizens groups called for urgent action on air pollution in the Western Balkans.
Western Balkans holds breath for better air quality
June 26, 2017
In the Western Balkans, air pollution can be a fatal problem, made worse by some of those countries’ energy policies. Ioana Ciuta sheds light on the region’s developing crisis, which is claiming lives at an alarming rate.
Independent monitoring of air pollution calls for urgent action in the Balkans
June 26, 2017
Independent dust monitoring in Balkan countries has found worrying levels of particulate matter, dust so small it enters deep into our lungs and blood streams causing irreversible damage and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
What will it take to make Balkan leaders realise new coal plants are a liability, not a gold mine?
June 16, 2017
Almost all the countries in the Balkan region are planning to build new coal power plants, but there has been virtually no mention of the need for them to comply with new pollution standards.
CEE Bankwatch Network: Balkan Planned Coal Power to Breach EU Standard
June 15, 2017
Almost none of the new coal power plants planned in the Western Balkans will meet the new, stricter EU pollution standards, according to a new analysis by the CEE Bankwatch Network, released this week. Source: CEE Bankwatch Network: Balkan Planned Coal
Planned coal power plants in the Western Balkans versus EU pollution standards
June 14, 2017
The new reference document on Best Available Techniques for Large Combustion Plants (LCP BREF) and its implications for new coal. Available languages: ENG – download pdf BiH – Planirane termoelektrane na ugalj u zemljama Zapadnog Balkana nasuprot stand
Planned coal power in the Balkans will breach new EU pollution standards – analysis
June 14, 2017
Almost none of the new coal power plants planned in the Western Balkans will meet new, stricter EU pollution standards, according to a new analysis by CEE Bankwatch Network, released today.
A Bulgarian oligarch, tax avoidance and a village that tries to move: how Sofia fails to implement EU pollution laws
June 12, 2017
Unsuccessful in making a coal power plant reduce abhorrent pollution levels, the village of Golemo Selo, Bulgaria is trying to “move” to a new municipality, hoping to have more say in matters concerning its citizens’ health and livelihoods.