Commission pitch for Europe’s future funding must be a People’s Budget
June 27, 2017
A growing movement of civil society across Europe has launched its own call for a reformed EU budget that unlocks a positive, people-centered and sustainable future for a new Europe
Guest post: A win for citizen activism after UNESCO asks Macedonia to stop all construction projects on Lake Ohrid
June 27, 2017
After a field visit to the Lake Ohrid in Macedonia, the UNESCO requested the Macedonian government to halt construction projects in the area, one of which is supported by the European Bank For Reconstruction and Development.
Locals oppose dam that is set to endanger critical fish habitat in Bosnia-Herzegovina
May 30, 2017
We are passing through the canyon of the river Vrbas, in north-west Bosnia-Herzegovina. I am looking through a car window, mouth wide open in awe. While I look up to the rocky, edgy peaks hundreds of meters above and down to the heavenly blue river, I
Babino Selo HPP Bosnia-Herzegovina Herzegovina
May 5, 2017
River defenders gather forces in Georgia
March 28, 2017
This week, activists from across the world are meeting in Tbilisi to share their experiences of resisting hydropower projects and the money that supports them.
Bulgaria risks unnecessary breach of nature laws, threatening EUR 800 million of EU funding
March 2, 2017
The building of an EU-funded motorway linking Bulgaria and Greece, through Kresna Gorge – a stunning wildlife haven protected by EU nature laws – would be a disaster for nature and local people, and could result in up to €781 million being returned to the European Commission, claim Bulgarian and international NGO experts.
За неправилно харчени европейски пари сигнализират от Асоциацията на парковете
August 28, 2016
Неправилно разходване на европейски средства за обществените поръчки за изготвяне проекти на планове за управление на Национален парк “Пирин” и Природен парк “Витоша” и потенциална загуба на европейско разнообразие в резултат от тези проекти, финансирани със средства на Европейския съюз по оперативна програма “Околна среда”.
Europe’s Last Wild Rivers Could Soon Drown [Video]
June 29, 2016
Hundreds of hydroelectric dams planned for rivers across the Balkans would provide green energy—at a big cost
Ohrid – Peshtani expressway project, Macedonia
May 11, 2016
The Ohrid-Peshtani expressway project – financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development via a EUR 160 million loan for the National Roads Programme – involves the construction of a new section on the A3 express to the Albanian border. The new 12.5 kilometre section is planned to pass through the Galicica national park – a rare and important natural site with abundant biodiversity, that was listed as an emerald site (a future Natura 2000 site) and was designated in 2014 part of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
Reckless dam financing rampant in the Balkans
December 17, 2015
A new Bankwatch report has found that loans totalling EUR 818 million from international public ‘development’ banks have supported 75 hydropower projects in the Balkans, including 30 which directly affect protected areas such as national parks, Natura 2000 sites and Ramsar sites.