[Campaign update] Montenegro’s Pljevlja coal plant is running out of time to secure financing
September 22, 2016
The Czech daily Hospodarske Noviny (English: “Economic Newspaper”) is reporting today that the Czech Export Bank (CEB) and export insurance agency EGAP may not be be able to finance the Pljevlja II lignite power plant in Montenegro due to new OECD rules entering force on 1 January 2017.
Guest post: Renewables kept in thrall in the Czech Republic
September 13, 2016
How to overcome the stagnation in the Czech renewable energy sector? Ending the government’s crusade against renewable support schemes would be a good starting point, writes Karel Polanecky from Bankwatch’s member group Hnuti Duha, Friends of the Earth Czech Republic.
Bankwatch and Counter Balance statement on the mid-term review of the Investment Plan for Europe
June 1, 2016
Brussels, Prague – European Commission Vice President Jyrki Katainen presented today the mid-term result of the Investment Plan for Europe. The European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the financial arm of this investment strategy, was established by the European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) in 2015 with the aim of mobilising private investments to stimulate the European economy.
Slovakia’s EU presidency: a chance to improve European biomass regulations
May 30, 2016
In its EU funds spending plans, Slovakia has shown commendable dedication to making bioenergy more sustainable. Taking over the EU presidency in June, it will have a unique chance to apply its expertise to improve European regulations on biomass.
The European Investment Bank and climate action 2013-2015
May 23, 2016
The European Investment Bank’s lending for climate action between 2013 and 2015 shows that further structural changes are needed to align the bank’s portfolio with the objectives of the Paris agreement.
EU funds spending plans in Estonia: The long and rocky path away from shale oil
February 1, 2016
While Estonia plans to use a large part of its EU funds investments for infrastructure projects in the public sector, there is no real political will to reduce the use of fossil fuels.
EU funds spending plans in Latvia: What’s hidden behind the ‘green veneer’?
January 29, 2016
The millions of EU Cohesion Policy money are choosing the ‘darker side’ of Latvia’s renewable energy sources.
Bring on the money, don’t ask for results. EU funds spending plans in the Czech Republic
January 28, 2016
The Czech Republic’s EU funds’ documents tick all the formal boxes, but the carbon intensity of its economy will most likely not change much.
What EU money can’t buy: Poland’s green energy transition just out of reach
January 26, 2016
Billions of euros of European funds will be invested in Poland between 2014 and 2020 under the heading of sustainable development and climate action. But without sound strategies and political will to decarbonise its economy, Europe’s biggest coal addict is set to waste the transformative potential of EU money – and Brussels is letting it happen.
NEW REPORT: Misguided spending by enfants terribles is undermining Europe’s transition to a fossil-free future
January 26, 2016
Brussels/Prague, 25 January 2016 – EU billions destined to transform the carbon-intensive, inefficient energy systems of central and eastern Europe are being misspent, finds a new report today by CEE Bankwatch Network and Friends of the Earth Europe. Bad spending plans and a lack of climate commitments from nine central and eastern European governments is hampering Europe’s transition away from fossil fuels, the groups say.
