Consensus on EU long term emissions reductions paves way for climate action in central and eastern Europe
December 13, 2019
At Thursday’s European Council meeting, Member States signed up to the bloc’s goal of becoming a net zero emitter of carbon by 2050, a commendable and essential step as the EU pursues the Paris Climate Agreement’s target of limiting temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Bern Convention mission will investigate violations along the Struma motorway
December 11, 2019
On Friday 6 December, the Standing Committee of the Berne Convention decided to strengthen the monitoring of the Struma highway construction through the Kresna Gorge by sending an expert mission to the project. The decision followed a European Commission report identifying violations of European environmental legislation in the EIA procedure and in the application form for EU financing for the project.
Just Transition funding needs to support real transitions
October 17, 2019
According to draft conclusions of the European Council, EU leaders meeting today and tomorrow look forward to a proposal from the European Commission to establish a Just Transition Fund.
Climate neutrality or annihilation?
October 3, 2019
Today’s announcement by Estonia to reach climate neutrality by 2050 rings hollow given the country’s plans to increase shale oil production.
Position on the Multiannual Financial Framework
July 9, 2018
For nearly three decades, the EU Budget, and especially sectoral instruments such as the Cohesion Policy, has been a proven catalyst in the fight against climate change and the transition to a low-carbon energy system. By providing public investments i
Commission rules for spending 300 billion euros in Cohesion funds misses opportunity to push for protections to climate and the rule of law
May 29, 2018
Brussels, Prague – The European Commission has missed the opportunity to set a course that addresses climate change and establishes a strong framework for ensuring Member States’ respect for the rule of law, as it seeks to leverage the EU budget after 2020 to bring states in line with EU priorities.
Way off track in Riga, as controversial EU-funded tram project plows ahead
March 7, 2018
Business interests continue to overshadow public concerns with regards to the dubious €100-million tram project in Riga.
European Parliament calls for future EU budget to support the energy transformation in regions that need it most
February 22, 2018
Prague, Brussels – Today NGOs across central and eastern Europe welcome a report from Members of the European Parliament’s BUDGET Committee [1], laying out the priorities for the next EU budget after 2020 – the ‘Multiannual Financial Framework’ (MFF).
Cohesion at crossroads: What we need from the next EU budget
February 20, 2018
A reform of finance of the EU’s cohesion policy is needed and timely, but rather than merely shrinking, it is high time to make it a real catalyst of an ambitious, sustainable and democratic transformation that works for European citizens.
Bulgaria’s EU presidency off to rocky start, as protests highlight EU funds for nature destruction
February 19, 2018
Unwanted limelight shines on Bulgaria as country plows ahead with Cohesion funds for the destruction of the Pirin National Park
