The Corridor Vc motorway in Bosnia and Herzegovina: A decisive test for EU standards
April 5, 2024
Based on a March 2024 site visit, this report examines two planned sections of the motorway– from Mostar South to the Kvanj Tunnel and from Konjic to Mostar, through the iconic Prenj mountain. It presents updated findings and underlines that it is crucial for the European Commission, EIB and EBRD to ensure that the route south of Mostar and via Prenj is re-examined and publicly consulted if they want to avoid many more years of delay.
International financial support for Ukraine’s recovery
March 28, 2024
In the third part of the research series ‘On the reconstruction front line: Ukrainian municipalities and the funding landscape’, we examine the support for Ukraine’s reconstruction which is being provided by international partners, financial institutions, and dedicated funds. This last section evaluates the availability of international financial support for municipalities.
Ukrainian municipalities: Accessing domestic and international financial resources for reconstruction efforts at the national level
March 28, 2024
In the second part of the research series ‘On the reconstruction front line: Ukrainian municipalities and the funding landscape’, we identify opportunities for utilising state funds and other forms of state support to meet the recovery needs of municipalities.
Air pollution in Ugljevik, Bosnia and Herzegovina
March 27, 2024
Ugljevik lignite-fired power plant, located in Republika Srpska, an entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is notorious Europe-wide for its extremely high emissions of sulphur dioxide into the air. Despite the exceptionally high stack of the power plant, the town of Ugljevik is still suffering from serious air pollution.
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.
Manifesto: A call for the next European Parliament and Commission to deliver the transformative investments citizens deserve
March 26, 2024
The proposals outlined in this manifesto guide our vision for how EU public finances can become more transformative.
Led by nature: Projects to protect and restore biodiversity in Europe
March 22, 2024
These case studies from several European Member States demonstrate some of the many ways EU funds can and should be used to support nature restoration and conservation projects, which are instrumental to addressing the biodiversity crisis across sectors while also building a greener, fairer future.
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.
Beyond profit: How to reshape the European Green Deal for people’s well-being
March 12, 2024
This searing report by the Citizens’ Observatory on Green Deal Financing analyses key EU funding mechanisms and exposes significant shortcomings in strategic priorities and implementation.
The Wisłoka: Overcoming barriers on a Polish river
March 8, 2024
This case study highlights the Wisłoka Without Barriers project, a sustainable approach to river continuity that led to the removal of barriers, allowing aquatic organisms to swim freely once again.
