Greece – North Macedonia gas interconnector update
November 19, 2024
This briefing takes an updated look at the Greece – North Macedonia gas interconnector project and concludes that the arguments in favour of the project are still not supported by convincing evidence and that the claimed benefits are highly unlikely to materialise.
Romania’s gas-fuelled climate plan lacks green ambition
November 7, 2024
After missing the legal deadline of 30 June 2024 by four months, Romania has finally submitted its national energy and climate plan (NECP) to the European Commission. However, despite the delay, several critical issues remain unresolved from the draft plan submitted in December 2023.
Looking beyond the hype: Public funding of hydrogen in central and eastern Europe
October 31, 2024
This briefing analyses over-optimism about hydrogen’s role in the central and eastern European Member States – Hungary, Poland and Romania.
Cop29 host Azerbaijan set for major fossil gas expansion, report says
October 23, 2024
The new report, produced by Urgewald and CEE Bankwatch, found Azerbaijan was set to increase its gas production by a third in the next decade, with fossil fuel companies forecast to spend $41.4bn (£31.9bn) on the country’s gas fields.
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)
