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Home > Success stories > Here be monsters – the map of EU funding failures that’s being referenced by decision-makers

Here be monsters – the map of EU funding failures that’s being referenced by decision-makers

The map of dubious EU funded projects prepared by Bankwatch and Friends of the Earth Europe has received wide media attention and decision makers have treated a project’s inclusion on the map as a serious blemish.

The last map of dubious projects was produced in 2012. See it at https://bankwatch.org/billions/

In four iterations, the Bankwatch map of dubious, EU funded projects drew attention to how not to deploy billions of euros of EU taxpayers’ money in the former communist bloc countries.

These countries continue to waste energy on a vast scale and appear determined to copy western European approaches to unsustainable transport systems.

In collaboration with Friends of the Earth Europe, Bankwatch has followed the use and – too often – abuse of the EU funds in central and eastern Europe for more than ten years.

Our mapping of the unsustainable trends involved in this multi-billion euro spending has vividly captured a wide array of unnecessary projects being promoted by regions and national governments all across the new EU member states.

https://vimeo.com/51429976

Following the success with highlighting dubious projects, we wanted to show how the EU budget can be put to better use.

With an inspiring campaign that highlighted EU money well spent, we managed to secure a significant increase in allocations for green EU funds spending.

Georges Kremlis, Head of Cohesion Policy in the EU’s Directorate General Environment poses next to two Bankwatch maps hanging in European Commission corridors.

Each new launch of the map of projects has been accompanied by wide media interest, both in key Brussels-focused publications as well as in national press across our region.

And the map makes an impact among decision-makers too:

We’ve learned that relevant departments within the European Commission have showcased the map on internal websites, and national government officials have let it be known that a project’s inclusion on the Bankwatch map is a serious black spot.

If only, then, there could be an end to the badly-conceived projects. EU member states in central and eastern Europe should be prioritising the EU funds for clean and efficient energy, transport and waste projects that can deliver positive effects for the economy, for employment and for our climate.

Negotiations for the next EU budget are around the corner and a positive vision for the Union is more needed than ever.

With your support we will continue campaigning for a Europe that works for its citizens in a sustainable way.

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