In 2014, decentralisation reforms were introduced in Ukraine to increase the country’s resilience, empower local communities, and transfer more decision-making power from the central government to the local level. These measures have significantly helped communities keep their heads above water and respond quickly to the challenges of Russia’s invasion.
As the EU reduces its gas consumption, North Macedonia is planning the opposite. Why is it building a large new import pipeline, why has it failed to consult the public, and why are EU banks supporting it?
Time to put an end to Albania’s fossil fuel déjà vu
December 21, 2023 | Read more
In the last two decades, residents of Vlora, a lively tourist city on the Albanian coast, have had a slew of mostly unsuccessful oil and gas projects foisted on them. No wonder a recent event there called on the government to stop its costly fossil fuel experiments and seize the opportunity to declare Albania’s electricity production and consumption 100 per cent renewable.
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.