EU state aid rules must finally end environmentally harmful subsidies for energy projects
January 12, 2021
As the European Commission reviews its Guidelines on State Aid for Environmental Protection and Energy, it must finally stop subsidies for activities contradicting EU climate and environment policies.
Any increase in renewable energy targets must exclude environmentally destructive projects
September 29, 2020
Raising renewable energy targets alone will not be enough to reduce GHG emissions in a sustainable manner. The Commission must also match this with tighter criteria for hydropower and biomass projects.
Priority energy infrastructure projects for the EU’s neighbours still anchored in fossil fuels
July 28, 2020
The energy projects proposed by the Energy Community countries for priority status, including privileged access to public funds, have now passed the evaluation stage, expecting a final decision by the year’s end. On the bright side, at least two megalomaniac projects were dropped. On the dark one, the remaining projects floor the gas pedal.
The Commission must stay strong on EU sustainable investment criteria as they become law
April 24, 2020
As the European Commission moves to legislate on criteria regulating what can be defined as sustainable investments, Bankwatch warns that activities such as waste incineration, gas combustion and nuclear energy must not be allowed to sneak in at the last minute.
EU carbon tax: A much-needed nudge for decarbonisation in the Western Balkans?
March 30, 2020
An EU consultation is currently ongoing on the plans to introduce a carbon border tax. Bankwatch sees this as an important opportunity to make sure Western Balkan electricity producers play by the rules when participating in the EU energy market.
Just Transition Fund needs stronger safeguards on inclusion and decarbonisation
March 20, 2020
Last week, the feedback period on the EU’s proposed regulation for the Just Transition Fund (JTF) closed. CEE Bankwatch Network was among over 150 organisations and individuals that submitted comments.
