Clean, green EU spending is possible - New map highlights European regional spending that works for environment and people

Visit http://www.wellspent.eu to see how European projects funded by Cohesion Policy are working for the environment, society and the economy.

Brussels, October 18, 2012 – A new publication released today documenting regional spending during the 2007-2013 period highlights how in times of economic and environmental crisis, Cohesion Policy can guide investments that are sustainable, innovative and really benefit the public. CEE Bankwatch Network, Friends of the Earth Europe and WWF published today a map showing where European regional spending has triggered environmental protection and sustainable development [1] – including public transport, renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.

European spending has often been misguided and damaging, through investments promoting fossil fuel use, carbon-intensive projects or the destruction of nature [2], according to the three organisations. The European budget currently under negotiation for the 2014-2020 period is over a trillion Euro, a third of which should go to Cohesion. The map offers benchmark examples from across Europe for how this money should be spent.

Markus Trilling, EU funds campaigner at CEE Bankwatch/Friends of the Earth Europe said: “Sustainable, effective and environmentally-focused projects are out there – they’re proof that our money doesn't have to disappear into roads and concrete. The upcoming EU budget is a chance to get it right for people, combining economic recovery with environmental protection.”

Sébastien Godinot, economist at WWF European policy office said: “We want to inspire policy makers with this map so that they look at some of the Cohesion policy projects that run across Europe a little closer. From Portugal to Poland, regions are making positive choices for the environment and enhancing the quality of life for people in everyday situations.”

CEE Bankwatch Network, Friends of the Earth Europe and WWF Europe are calling for 25% of the next EU budget (2014-2020) to be devoted to projects and initiatives that build a decarbonised economy across Europe. Member States must begin to plan how they will use the next EU Budget for environmental protection and resource efficiency, including protection for biodiversity and ecosystems across all Europe’s regions.

For more information please contact:

Markus Trilling
EU Funds campaigner at CEE Bankwatch/Friends of the Earth Europe
Tel: +32 (0) 484 056 636
Email: markus.trilling@foeeurope.org

Sébastien Godinot
Economist at WWF European Policy Office
Tel: +32 (0) 2 740 0920
Email: sgodinot@wwf.eu

Notes for the editors:

[1] Visit http://www.wellspent.eu to see how European projects funded by Cohesion Policy are working for the environment, society and the economy.

[2] EU funds in Central and Eastern Europe: Roadmap to sustainability or dead-end investments.

The CEE Bankwatch map presents environmentally and socially harmful projects financed or in line for financing by the European Union during the period 2007-2013: