Can EU policy drive decarbonisation in the Western Balkans?
December 7, 2022
The challenges that the new Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will bring to the Western Balkan countries were the focus of a panel discussion hosted by MEP Petros Kokkalis (the LEFT) and co-organised by CEE Bankwatch and the Green Tank that took place on Tuesday December 6 at the European Parliament.
New report: proposed EU carbon tax to speed up energy transition in the Western Balkans
December 5, 2022
Western Balkan countries could collect at least EUR 2.8 billion annually to spend on a just and sustainable energy transition, if a domestic carbon pricing mechanism was in place, finds a new report by CEE Bankwatch Network released today, entitled “The Western Balkan power sector: between crisis and transition”.
Romanian decision-makers attempt misuse of REPowerEU funds for illegal hydropower plants
November 30, 2022
Romania’s Government plans to use funds allocated under the REPowerEU package to build nine hydropower projects in protected natural areas, Bankwatch Romania has warned the European Commission today.
Moving Western Balkan district heating systems away from fossil fuels
November 21, 2022
With winter fast approaching, the need for efficient, clean and affordable district heating in communities throughout the Western Balkans is pressing.
Renewables to needlessly endanger EU protected natural areas: Reaction to today’s European Parliament committee vote on the Renewable Energy Directive
November 14, 2022
The European Parliament ITRE committee, responsible for energy issues, today approved the Commission’s proposal for a revised Renewable Energy Directive, undermining existing environmental legislation to allow damaging projects in the EU’s protected natural areas.
Reaction to European Parliament vote: Ensnaring the EU in a fossil fuel trap
November 10, 2022
While world leaders are debating how to tackle the climate crisis at COP27 in Egypt, a majority of Members of the European Parliament voted today for the European Commission’s legislative proposal [1] on including REPowerEU chapters in recovery and resilience plans and paved an investment path that will prolong the EU’s dependence on imported fossil gas and cause further lock-in into high-emission and high-cost fossil fuel sources.
‘Destructive, undemocratic and possibly illegal’ – green groups slate leaked EU renewables emergency measures
November 8, 2022
EU plans for an emergency regulation to accelerate renewable energy deployment are highly destructive for biodiversity, undemocratic and possibly illegal, CEE Bankwatch Network and EuroNatur warned today, after a leaked text of the proposal was published by Context Energie.
Lung Run Ugljevik: a race against time for a just transition
October 30, 2022
Under the motto ‘Run for clean air – step by step for a just transition’ more than 50 people from eight countries gathered on 29 October in Ugljevik, Bosnia and Herzegovina to raise awareness about the urgency of a clean and sustainable future for coal dependent regions in the Western Balkans in a ten-kilometre trail running event.
Ukraine reconstruction: why we need electric urban transport investments now
October 25, 2022
A sustainable transport reconstruction in Ukraine’s cities should be a priority not only in long-term post-war recovery plans, but also in urgent support programs.
Reaction to the European Parliament Environment Committee vote on amendments to the Renewable Energy Directive
October 25, 2022
The result of today’s voting on the Renewable Energy Directive is highly disappointing as it waives current rules on environmental assessments and protection of Natura 2000 areas.
