Dirty coal gets closer to receiving almost half a billion euros from EU taxpayers
December 3, 2012
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is gearing up to pay 440 million euros to a new 600 MW lignite plant in Slovenia at a time when calls for an end to subsidies for fossil fuels are intensifying all over the world.
Collapse of EU budget talks short-changes people and planet
November 23, 2012
With todays collapse of negotiations at the EU budget summit in Brussels, environment groups CEE Bankwatch Network and Friends of the Earth Europe called on countries to focus their efforts on agreeing a deal in the new year that has quality EU spending [1] at the top of the agenda.
EU budget negotiations must tackle mistakes of past with focus on quality spending
November 22, 2012
Brussels, November 22, 2012 – As European leaders gather in Brussels today for the EU budget summit, quality spending must be the focus of discussions if the future European budget is to tackle Europe’s environmental and economic crises, according to environment groups CEE Bankwatch Network, Friends of the Earth Europe and Transport & Environment.
Press Briefing for European Summit 22-23rd November: How to ensure strong green spending runs throughout the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020
November 20, 2012
This week’s European Council will be crucial for ensuring that the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020 (MFF) mobilises sustainable investments that can create millions of jobs and take Europe forward on a solid footing out of the crisis. The current overall MFF proposal is far from green: it is a lost opportunity. There is a lot of room to shift MFF allocations towards better spending and to relocate funds to greener sectors. Therefore we wish to draw your attention to five key issues for the Council that could substantially increase the chances of the next MFF delivering multiple benefits.
Monsanto Should Not Expand Relying on Public Money
November 19, 2012
London — Monsanto, the world’s largest seed producer and one of the most prominent promoters of GMO crops worldwide, is set to receive 40 million US dollars of public financial support via the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
Green spending appears on EU budget radar – it must stay there, say environment groups
November 14, 2012
Brussels, Belgium — The latest EU budget 2014-20 negotiating text, published today by President of the European Council, Herman van Rompuy, contains the first sign of hope for a future EU budget that tackles climate change and helps support a sustainable future for Europe’s 500 million people, according to CEE Bankwatch Network and Friends of the Earth Europe.
Quality spending still off the table as Cyprus issues draft budget figures
October 30, 2012
Brussels — Indicative figures for Europe’s 2014-2020 budget offer little hope of a green future for agricultural and regional spending, according to CEE Bankwatch Network and Friends of the Earth Europe.
Clean, green EU spending is possible – New map highlights European regional spending that works for environment and people
October 18, 2012
Visit http://www.wellspent.eu to see how European projects funded by Cohesion Policy are working for the environment, society and the economy. Brussels, October 18, 2012 – A new publication released today documenting regional spending during the 2007-2013 period highlights how in times of economic and environmental crisis, Cohesion Policy can guide investments that are sustainable, innovative and really benefit the public. CEE Bankwatch Network, Friends of the Earth Europe and WWF published today a map showing where European regional spending has triggered environmental protection and sustainable development – including public transport, renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
Covering the Balkans in Soot: The New European Energy Community Strategy Favours Fossil Fuel Reliance
October 17, 2012
Brussels — Neighbouring countries of the EU from the Western Balkans to Ukraine are planning unsustainable energy futures relying on coal and nuclear. An energy strategy for the region to be approved Thursday by the European Energy Community indicates that such investments in dirty fuels could happen with EU support and financing.
Euro Parliament vote sends positive signal for greening the EU budget
October 11, 2012
Brussels, Belgium — Today’s voting by the European Parliament Budget Committee in favour of at least 20 percent of the future EU budget for 2014-20 going to address climate change, was welcomed by CEE Bankwatch Network and Friends of the Earth Europe.