Publications

The 2014-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework (EU budget) will be a decisive tool for Europe to demonstrate that it can achieve economic and social prosperity by committing to a decarbonised, resource and energy-efficient and socially just economy. This briefing recommends to further strengthen the European Commission's budget proposal by shifting allocations and spending priorities to sectors of the green economy, eventually helping to create more jobs and future proof green markets.

Bankwatch, Slovenian NGO Focus and Environmental Legal Service (CZ) ask the EBRD's Project Complaint Mechanism to undertake a compliance review of whether the bank has complied with its Environmental and Social Policy 2008 in relation to two aspects of the Sostanj lignite thermal power plant:
(a) Claims by the EBRD that the project in question is "CCS ready" and
(b) the EBRD's assessment of whether Slovenia can fulfil its obligations in meeting long-term EU climate goals if it undertakes the project.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Euroatom plan to support the nuclear power plant safety upgrade project in Ukraine. The EU presents the project as a timely initiative to improve nuclear safety in the region. A closer inspection however shows that it in fact can increase nuclear risks, in that the project includes a significant number of measures necessary to extend the lifetime of the reactors.

The Coalition for a sustainable EU Budget advocates that a number of amendments to the Commission legislative proposal concerning the next Cohesion Policy funds should be supported by the European Parliament and Council if the next EU regional funds are to play any significant role in the transition towards a low-carbon, sustainable European economy.

The letter criticises the environmental assessment of the Nuclear power plants safety upgrade programme (SUP) in Ukraine. It concludes that the assessment insufficient and does not fully elaborate the objectives and consequences of the SUP.

Cohesion Policy plays an important role in steering local economies towards sustainability. Green investments however still remain limited in the Commission’s proposal for a reformed Cohesion Policy - a missed opportunity as it stands now. This NGO briefing suggest solutions strengthen the proposal in order to achieve the fundamental energy and environment targets for 2020.