This report by the Belgrade-based Center for Research, Transparency and Accountability - CRTA shows that the Serbian government is supporting the Kostolac coal power plant and mines with loan guarantees and potentially VAT exemptions.

Energy is one of the biggest economic sectors in south-eastern Europe and is set to grow even further with the region moving closer to the EU. The region has high potential for energy efficiency and sustainable renewable energy investments. Yet, as this study illustrates with a number of examples, countries have shown little ability to absorb investments at a large scale without systemic corruption and patronage.

See also an interactive map with summaries for each case at http://bankwatch.org/SEE-energy-corruption

On the basis of the TEN-E regulation 12 strategic priority corridors for energy infrastructure with a cross-border dimension have been identified. A list of Projects of Common Interests (PCIs) has been approved by European Commission in October 2013. Yet, the consultation process of the first PCI list has been far from perfect and the list has been challenged in court by the NGO coalition Justice and Environment (J&E).

'Kyrgyzstan: a song in the mountains' is photographic travelogue to the source of the nomadic Kyrgyz people, their traditions and environment. The book explores people's relationship to the Kumtor gold mine in the mountains of Central Asia, which is slowly degrading the environment of the area. The reader takes a journey past high mountain lakes, the lost caravanserai of the Great Silk Road and developing farms. Farmers and mountain locals tell the traveler secrets about the lives of their ancestors and their hopes for the future of this beautiful place.