Why the EU budget needs a democratic reset – a Czech civil society perspective
July 25, 2025
As the European Union begins shaping its post-2027 budget – the next multiannual financial framework – the challenges ahead are significant. From accelerating climate change to geopolitical tensions and conflicts, the EU needs a budget that is both responsive and forward-looking. Yet, despite the far-reaching impact these decisions will have on millions of Europeans, the process by which they are made still falls short of being truly democratic.
A budget aware of the challenges, yet falling short on solutions for a resilient future
July 16, 2025
Despite bold rhetoric on climate and environmental leadership, the European Commission’s proposal for the next long-term EU budget, published today, falls short of aligning future EU spending with the needs of a climate-neutral EU. It fails to provide a clear, enforceable vision for beneficiaries of EU funds to tackle today’s multiple challenges by directing public funds towards building a more resilient, just, and environmentally sustainable economy.
Estfeed Datahub: Powering Estonia’s digital energy future
July 10, 2025
As our energy systems shift towards decentralisation and renewable energy sources, it’s becoming increasingly important for energy markets to be open, understandable, and accessible to everyone, including large companies, local communities, and individuals. Transparency and easy access to energy data play a key role in this transition. In Estonia, the Estonian Green Movement is working to raise public awareness and capacity around this topic.
Electrification of Riga’s heat supply brings balance to national grid
June 24, 2025
Riga’s main heat supplier, RĪGAS SILTUMS, is taking steps to transform the city’s heat supply. Having recently implemented a major electrification project, the company is now exploring options to introduce a pioneering heat storage solution for the Latvian capital.
Navigating the complexities of EU funds: Bulgaria’s struggle
June 13, 2025
The mid-term review was intended as a mechanism to address implementation issues and reallocate resources to priority areas. In reality, however, it has taken a very different turn.
Vulnerable households at risk: Central and eastern European countries struggle to finalise national social climate plans
June 13, 2025
With just weeks to go before the European Commission’s deadline for national social climate plan submissions, a new analysis by E3G and Bankwatch reveals alarmingly uneven progress across central and eastern Europe. Examining the state of play in eight EU Member States, the report highlights persistent transparency gaps, weak stakeholder engagement, and protracted delays.
Climbing together: Is the Social Climate Fund working for those who need it most?
June 13, 2025
This report evaluates the quality of stakeholder involvement and the design of national social climate plans in Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia.
Community visioning for just, clean energy futures in Europe
June 11, 2025
The report provides recommendations and research for those who wish to undertake community visioning as a tool to engage people in energy decision-making.
Latvia’s cohesion policy at a crossroads: Balancing security priorities and green investments
May 14, 2025
Latvia is rethinking how it allocates its EU cohesion policy funds, as growing security concerns linked to the regional geopolitical climate put pressure on previously agreed green investment priorities. But will this shift towards national defence undermine the country’s long-term environmental and climate goals?
Reforming with purpose: A checklist of reforms and investments for the EU’s national social climate plans
March 12, 2025
National social climate plans are a critical component of the EU’s efforts to ensure a fair and equitable transition to climate neutrality, helping to counterbalance the adverse impacts of the EU’s second Emissions Trading System on the most vulnerable.
