Environmental groups challenge backdoor dismantling of EU nature safeguards
March 9, 2023
CEE Bankwatch Network and ÖKOBÜRO have initiated legal action (1) to uphold EU environmental law and public consultation requirements when building renewable energy facilities. The groups argue that an emergency regulation adopted by the Council of the European Union in December 2022 breaches EU and international law.
How renewable energy could reinvigorate Romania’s slumbering district heating sector
March 3, 2023
The lack of modernisation and rehabilitation of Romania’s district heating systems is felt most strongly by the inhabitants, but it also affects local budgets and has a negative impact on the environment.
Successful renewables acceleration needs more public participation, not less
February 27, 2023
In December 2022, the Council of the European Union adopted an emergency regulation aimed at speeding up renewable energy deployment. But Member States have to uphold environmental safeguards and consult the public if they don’t want to end up doing the opposite, warns our new position paper.
Position paper for EU Member States on applying Council Regulation (EU) 2022/2577 to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy
February 27, 2023
Council Regulation (EU) 2022/2577 of 22 December 2022 rightly aims to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy. But although it contains some useful provisions, it raises serious concerns about the legal basis used for its adoption, the extent to
Analysis of alternatives to coal-based district heating for the Bitola region in North Macedonia
December 21, 2022
The study examines the current heating situation in the Bitola region (covering the municipalities of Bitola, Mogila and Novaci), followed by an analysis of the techno-economic potential for using decentralised heating solutions that are also in line with the country’s environmental protection commitments.
Less haste, more speed: The European Parliament must support renewables *and* nature
December 12, 2022
This Wednesday, the European Parliament plenary will vote on changes to the Renewable Energy Directive. But the proposals seriously undermine environmental safeguards and set impossibly tight deadlines.
Accelerating the deployment of sustainable solar
December 5, 2022
This joint statement by BirdLife International Europe and Central Asia, CEE Bankwatch Network, Climate Action Network Europe, the European Environmental Bureau, EuroNatur and SolarPower Europe lays out priorities for the current EU discussions to ensur
A false start for wind energy in Uzbekistan?
December 1, 2022
This report analyses the current environmental assessments for four wind projects planned to be built in Uzbekistan and adds new evidence from visits to the sites, meetings with the companies and local communities, and expert advise from environmental organisations.
Is Estonia doing enough to reach 100 per cent renewable electricity, and can it do even more with the help of REPowerEU?
November 21, 2022
On 12 October, Estonia’s parliament adopted a new renewable electricity target of 100 per cent by 2030. The strategic use of EU cohesion and recovery funds in Estonia will help reach that goal, and the additional EUR 83.4 million from REPowerEU has the potential to do even more.
Sustainable district heating gives hope to the Romanian city of Motru, in a coal mining region
November 18, 2022
A new study shows that the city’s district heating can come from fully renewable sources.
