Strategic thinking needs to win out in the future Cohesion Policy debate
March 13, 2012
As the Polish Presidency ended at the turn of the year and the last formal meetings were over, the Polish government decided it was time to speak out more openly about its own position concerning the future of Cohesion Policy, as it was no longer obliged to remain neutral in the negotiations. This EU budget item had been the priority for the Presidency, as Poland is hoping to receive as much as EUR 80 billion in the forthcoming 2014-2020 period.
EU Funds delivering domestic energy efficiency in Latvia – concerted facilitation and promotion is the key
March 13, 2012
Encouraging developments related to the deployment of EU funds in Latvia for improving household energy efficiency have reached Bankwatch Mail from Latvian Green Movement, our member group based in Riga.
EU funds for Czech incinerators in the balance thanks to local opposition
March 13, 2012
The European Commission is considering financial support for three new major municipal waste incinerator projects in the Czech Republic. The total cost for these projects is EUR 520 million and the projects have also requested a subsidy from the current Operational Programme for Environment (OPE) totalling EUR 184 million.
New EU funds map adds to calls for sustainable EU budget
March 13, 2012
Now in its fourth edition, Bankwatch and Friends of the Earth Europe’s map of environmentally and socially harmful projects in central and eastern Europe being paid for by – or in line for – billions of euros of EU money has been launched at a crucial moment.
Polish energy companies’ black propaganda threatens EU climate ambitions again
March 13, 2012
Poland is on course to place further large roadblocks in the way of the European Commission’s Roadmap 2050 towards a low-carbon economy unless certain demands being insisted on by Warsaw are met. These include the granting of free allowances for all 16 power plants that Poland has asked to be supported under the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme.
Vreoci community requests EBRD to suspend credit arrangement with Kolubara
March 13, 2012
The Vreoci community from the Kolubara mining basin requests from the EBRD to suspend the loan arrangements for the Kolubara lignite mine due to the constant and increasing violations of human and property rights by the Public Company Mining Basin “Kolubara” – Lazarevac.
Letters to EBRD and EIB: Irregularities in the Sostanj project in Slovenia
March 13, 2012
With this letter, Bankwatch, together with Focus, Association for Sustainable Development and Greenpeace Slovenia are informing the EIB’s and EBRD’s highest decision-making bodies about recent developments in the case of the Sostanj lignite power plant that in our view should prompt the banks to drop their participation in this investment. The EBRD’s president Thomas Mirow replied on April 16, 2012 (download his response (pdf)) informing us about the suspension of the EBRD’s loan for the Sostanj project. Just one day later, another letter from the EBRD (download as pdf) informed us that the suspension is not a formal suspension.
Borrowed life: Asian Development Bank projects failing Uzbeks
March 13, 2012
Under its new Country partnership strategy (CPS) for Uzbekistan to commence this year, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will be guided by the evolving development needs of Uzbekistan, as well as the long-term ADB strategic framework for 2008-2020.
State Commission warns of corruption and illegality at Šoštanj
March 13, 2012
Fresh controversy hit the proposed 600 MW lignite power plant at Šoštanj in Slovenia in late February when the Slovenian State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption issued a report in which it says corruption conditions existed at the time of the awarding of the construction contract to French company Alstom and continue to exist today. The Commission report also states that Slovenian lobbying legislation has been breached by the goings-on at Šoštanj.
Welcoming letter to the new EIB president
March 12, 2012
The Counter Balance EIB coalition has welcomed Werner Hoyer, the new president of the EIB, to his new post.
