Energy insecurity: EU funds for fossil gas in Poland and Romania contradict climate goals
June 6, 2023
This report reveals how much EU public money has been channelled toward the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure in Poland and Romania since 2014 as well as what plans these two countries have for using various EU funding sources to finance additional fossil gas projects in coming years.
Tackling energy poverty in EU Member States
June 2, 2023
This briefing provides an overview of selected energy poverty measures in five European countries (the Czech Republic, Italy, Latvia, Poland and Slovakia) to illustrate different understandings and approaches to tackling energy poverty across Europe.
Selection criteria for energy communities: a practical checklist
May 31, 2023
This briefing includes a set of practical recommendations for developing successful calls for proposals, including suitable selection criteria that can boost the growth of the community energy movement across central and eastern Europe.
Towards energy democracy: launch of new financing tracker for energy communities in the EU
May 19, 2023
The EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 offers a unique opportunity to use public finances to accelerate the energy transition. But to succeed, this transition must be inclusive, equitable and citizen-centred.
Transalpine oil pipeline expansion: REPowerEU funds must not swell the coffers of energy crisis profiteers
April 19, 2023
Using EU funds, the Czech government plans to provide EUR 114 million for the expansion of the Transalpine (TAL) oil pipeline, which links the Italian port of Trieste with refineries in Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic. The project raises concerns about its compliance with EU legislation as well as its environmental and economic sustainability.
Stara Zagora: caught between its brown coal past and a bright green future
March 30, 2023
In February and March 2023, our environmental organisation Za Zemiata (Friends of the Earth – Bulgaria) organised several meetings in Stara Zagora and Galabovo in south-central Bulgaria dedicated to just energy transition and the development opportunities it offers the region. Our main aim was to involve local stakeholders whose voices have thus far been ignored. Participants included representatives of civil society, members of small and medium-sized enterprises and academics from Trakia University in Stara Zagora. Unfortunately, despite efforts to foster dialogue between business, civil society, academia and the institutions, the absence of the municipality, which was invited to attend the meetings, was notable.
REPowerEU – a new opportunity to finance energy transformation
March 24, 2023
This factsheet shows how the REPowerEU strategy can provide a new opportunity for the EU to move away from fossil fuels and support clean, sustainable energy for its citizens.
Financing investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency in Gorj and Hunedoara
March 20, 2023
The publication elaborates on the challenges of the coal mine regions in the counties of Gorj and Hunedoara, Romania. Coal-based energy production is the most problematic one in regards to CO2 emissions. Furthermore, if we look at the social dimension
Public financing opportunities for energy communities in Europe
March 13, 2023
This briefing, developed by REScoop.eu, CEE Bankwatch Network and CAN Europe, is a preview of an upcoming, in-depth analysis of the allocation of dedicated funding for community energy through various public financing programmes in 14 countries.
Conditionality mechanisms and the green transition: the case of EU funding for Poland
February 6, 2023
The dispute over the rule of law between Poland’s government and the European Commission culminated in a recent announcement by EU officials to block funds for Poland. The country’s authorities must take the Commission’s reservations seriously and address them immediately. Meanwhile, they must start implementing investments planned in the cohesion policy programmes as soon as possible to better address the challenges posed by the climate and energy crises.