Romania’s big bet on fossil gas proves a reckless gamble
September 5, 2024
Romania has hit the EU funds jackpot, securing significant amounts for fossil gas projects. However, implementation has been sluggish. More concerningly, these projects could delay Europe’s energy transition and deepen Romania’s dependence on fossil fuels.
Week in Review: Action or Inaction?
July 19, 2024
Governments and citizens across South-east Europe find themselves stuck between action and inaction in choosing whether and how to deal …
Western Balkans can skip gas and move straight to renewables, says Bankwatch
July 18, 2024
NGO CEE Bankwatch says anticipated solar and wind projects in the region are expected to generate four times more electricity over their …
Hooked on gas: CEE governments’ climate plans prescribe fossil gas addiction
July 16, 2024
During much of the past 13 months – the longest streak of record-breaking global temperatures – EU governments have been revising their climate strategies. Yet, instead of increasing ambition at a time of a climate emergency, as they have committed to do, policymakers in central and eastern Europe appear keen to sustain their countries’ addiction to fossil gas.
Hooked on gas: Report on the status of national energy and climate plans in central and eastern Europe
June 20, 2024
This publication highlights the need for gas phase-out pathways and identifies shortcomings in the current draft NECPs of eight central and eastern European Member States.
EBRD approves EUR 98.6 loan for disputed fossil gas mega pipeline in North Macedonia
April 25, 2024
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) yesterday approved a EUR 98.6 million loan for a fossil gas pipeline that would allow North Macedonia to increase its gas consumption by three to six times compared to 2021, its highest-consuming year so far. (1)
The Modernisation Fund: An open door for fossil gas in Romania
March 26, 2024
The Modernisation Fund is supposed to channel revenues from the EU’s carbon market into the energy transition in central and eastern Europe. But it’s actually being used to further deepen the region’s dependence on fossil gas.
NGOs request investigation into EBRD loan for North Macedonia mega gas pipeline
March 25, 2024
Environmental watchdogs CEE Bankwatch Network and Eko-svest have today asked the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s (EBRD) redress mechanism to investigate a planned loan for a major new fossil gas pipeline from Greece to North Macedonia.
The great energy trap: An evaluation of the economic viability of replacing coal with gas in large power plants in Bulgaria
March 14, 2024
This report analyses several scenarios for replacing the existing coal capacity at Maritsa East and Bobov Dol with new gas-fired units. It looks at the implications of these projects becoming financially viable, including the investments required, possible state aid, and the electricity costs for households.
Bar’s battle: Montenegrin town rising against LNG project
March 5, 2024
Plans to build a fossil gas import terminal on Montenegro’s coast, with backing from the European Commission, endanger the country’s fossil fuel phaseout. Growing local opposition to the project also underlines poor public participation in the process.
