Šefčovič’s underwhelming outlook for the Energy Union’s role in the energy transition
December 1, 2015
On 20 November 2015, following the presentation of the first State of the Energy Union, Vice-President Šefčovič hosted a Twitter Chat. Also several Bankwatchers joined the discussion. Here are some points we found noteworthy.
Poland and the Energy Union: Legitimising Europe’s flagship climate laggard?
November 9, 2015
It’s no secret that Poland is not the biggest proponent of ambitious European climate and energy policies. Rather than give Poland the extra nudge it needs to transform its increasingly obsolete energy system, the Energy Union risks sustaining – and legitimising – the Polish addiction to fossil fuels.
Slovakia and the Energy Union: Financing for fossil fuels
September 10, 2015
Similar to what we have seen in other countries, when it comes to concrete projects in Slovakia the Energy Union proposals are so far to a much larger extent aiming at security of (gas) supply than they are at decarbonisation.
Azerbaijan: Sport for Rights coalition condemns sentencing of journalist Khadija Ismayilova
September 1, 2015
The Sport for Rights coalition strongly condemns the sentencing of Azerbaijani journalist Khadija Ismayilova to a staggering 7.5 years in jail. On 1 September, the Baku Court of Grave Crimes convicted Ismayilova on charges of embezzlement, illegal entrepreneurship, tax evasion, and abuse of office. Ismayilova was acquitted of the charge of inciting someone to attempt suicide. Sport for Rights considers the charges against Ismayilova to be politically motivated and connected to her work as an investigative journalist, particularly her exposure of corruption among the ruling Azerbaijani elite.
Azerbaijan: Sport for Rights coalition condemns sentencing of journalist Khadija Ismayilova
September 1, 2015
Коалиция «Спорт за права» решительно осуждает ошеломляющий приговор азербайджанской журналистке Хадидже Исмайловой, осужденной на 7,5 лет лишения свободы. 1 сентября Бакинский суд по тяжким преступлениям признал Исмайлову виновной по обвинениям в присвоении средств, незаконном предпринимательстве, уклонении от уплаты налогов и злоупотреблении должностными полномочиями. По обвинению в доведении человека до самоубийства Исмайлову оправдали. Коалиция «Спорт за права» считает, что обвинения против Исмайловой политически мотивированы и связаны с ее журналистскими расследованиями, в частности с разоблачениями коррупции среди правящей азербайджанской элиты.
Guest post: Croatia and the Energy Union: the European Commission’s unwarranted obsession with gas
August 20, 2015
Building the Energy Union, the European Commission pretends that all is well for renewables in Croatia and unnecessarily fixates on diversifying gas supply instead of managing demand.
Latvia and the Energy Union: biomass is a blind spot
August 13, 2015
To make sure Latvia’s energy path does not lead into a dead end for sustainability, the Energy Union should facilitate alternatives to unsustainable fuelwood.
Guest post: Behind the glitz of oil riches – the shrinking space for democracy in Azerbaijan
July 29, 2015
Last week, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development approved a loan over half a billion dollars for Lukoil’s share in the Shah Deniz gas field in Azerbaijan. In this guest post, rights activist Emma Hughes from Platform reflects on how business as usual resumes after the media attention on Azerbaijan’s human rights abuses has faded.
[Campaign update] 92 percent of public consultation respondents against Plomin C coal power plant
March 24, 2015
Almost all respondants to a consultation on the Plomin power plant do not want a new unit running on coal.
Pipe dreams – why public subsidies for Lukoil in Azerbaijan will not reduce EU dependency on Russia
January 21, 2015
The study explains why the Southern Gas Corridor, the EU’s new pet energy project, is not only unnecessary in light of gas demand projections, but also seems likely to fall short on the much flaunted goal of bringing energy independence from Russia.
