The Western Balkans’ energy transition is finally starting to pick up pace. But false solutions such as fossil gas threaten to divert resources and create new fossil-fuel lock-in. So why do the European Union (EU) and United States (US) continue to push such projects in the region and what can be done about it?
Aqueduct in Italy breaches EU laws and endangers biodiversity
November 24, 2023 | Read more
In times of pressing climate and biodiversity crisis, the Lazio region and the Italian government are supporting a controversial project to double the Peschiera–Le Capore aqueduct, breaching several EU Directives, and not taking into account people who live in the area and their needs. Moreover, the project, partially supported by EU funds, could potentially endanger six Natura 2000 sites and already exploited local water resources.
A pristine biodiverse forest in eastern Latvia is being cleared to make way for an industrial park. Even though the project has yet to be approved, half the forest has already been logged to make way for the development. Not only that, the public consultation and social and environmental assessment have been inadequate. The project promoters now expect getting the green light.
The efforts of Tbilisi City Hall, responsible for transport reform, are anything but commendable. Criticism is also apt for the international financial institutions that have invested significantly in Tbilisi’s transport planning overhaul, and that are therefore responsible for monitoring its progress and impact.
Waste management in Uzbekistan: the high risks that the EBRD refuses to see
February 20, 2023 | Read more
People living in the settlements adjacent to landfills slated for expansion under an EBRD waste management project were not adequately consulted.
Tbilisi’s public transport woes and faltering reforms
September 28, 2022 | Read more
Residents of Georgia’s capital Tbilisi have been struggling with the city’s beleaguered public transport network, air pollution, road congestion and inadequate access to schools and workplaces for years. In the past decade, Tbilisi authorities with the involvement of international financial institutions, set out to improve the situation. Today, despite the availability of funds, most of the old problems persist.
