Bankwatch statement on the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality goal and central and eastern European country positions
June 20, 2019
“With Germany now backing the EU’s 2050 carbon neutrality goal, all eyes are on Poland and other countries of central and eastern Europe that have to date refused to back this target because of their reliance on coal.
Commission calls for higher ambition from central and eastern Europe in energy and climate plans
June 18, 2019
For immediate release. Brussels, Prague – Ahead of Thursday’s European Council summit where the EU’s long-term climate targets will take centre stage, the Commission has released an assessment of Member States’ national energy and climate plans (NECPs) and is pressing countries of central and eastern Europe (CEE) to do more so that Europe can meet its 2050 net-zero emissions objective.
Just Transition plan for Slovak coal region Upper Nitra to be aproved today
June 12, 2019
The Upper Nitra regional parliament is today approving a plan for the region’s transition away from coal, which was created by the Slovak government based on inputs from the local community.
In Georgia, leaked contract shows Nenskra hydropower project to cost country USD 60 million a year
June 10, 2019
For immediate release. Prague, Tbilisi – A leaked contract between the Georgian government and the company behind the Nenskra hydropower project includes terms that indicate the project will incur massive losses for the state, according to a report broadcast on 8 June by the national television station Rustavi 2 [1].
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.
Bosnia-Herzegovina: Environmental permit for Buk Bijela hydropower plant cancelled
May 30, 2019
The Banja Luka District Court has cancelled the environmental permit for the planned 93 MW Buk Bijela hydropower plant on the river Drina in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Aarhus Resource Center in Sarajevo has announced today, following the court’s positive 13 May ruling on the Center’s complaint.
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]
Legal challenge mounted against Kosovo coal project’s “absurd” contract
May 13, 2019
Prishtina – Kosovar and international non-governmental organisations [1] have today submitted an official complaint to the Energy Community dispute settlement mechanism challenging the legality of the power purchase agreement for the planned Kosova e Re coal power project, which is currently awaiting ratification by the Kosovo parliament. [2]
European Development Bank Significantly Strengthens its Grievance Mechanism – Reformed Mechanism Now More Independent
May 9, 2019
(Amsterdam, Prague, Washington, D.C.) — Civil society organizations welcomed the new grievance mechanism policy for the London-based European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
