CEE Bankwatch Network

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CC: @eeb.org @rescoop.eu @greenlibertylv.bsky.social @caneurope.org @foeeurope.bsky.social @cde-cz.bsky.social @clienteartheur.bsky.social @seobirdlife.bsky.social

2/2 🔥 865 billion euros are on the line - so we cannot let this happen behind closed doors!

✅ Together with 52 organisations we have signed a letter calling national governments to draft their NRPPs transparently: tinyurl.com/3zwcy6zy

1/2 🚩The negotiations around the next multi-year EU budget have started. As part of a new funding architecture, every Member State will create a “National and Regional Partnership Plan” outlining major national investments in key sectors, like energy, agriculture, and regional cohesion.

Empowering communities: Using digital innovation to drive Ukraine’s green recovery - Bankwatch Ukraine’s network of more than 1,000 territorial communities now finds itself at a unique historical juncture. On the one hand, decentralisation has entrusted these communities with the authority and ...

4/ Read more about it in the latest blog post: bankwatch.org/blog/empower...

3/This structured approach allows communities to develop their first green project portfolios. This means local waste management plans and energy strategies no longer just exist on paper; they become fully functioning roadmaps that serve as a credible foundation for securing project financing.

2/ Despite the war, these communities are increasingly taking the initiative, and with that in mind, Fund RcErBs recently launched the ‘project navigator’ designed to level the playing field, providing communities with comprehensive training in effective project management.

1/ Communities with populations of up to 30,000 people account for around 95% of all communities currently under Ukrainian control. Yet they often remain invisible to major investors, despite being the very places where the country’s resilience is forged.

#ukrainianview

🤔If gender equality is truly a key @eib.org priority, why is it guided by a strategy from 2016?
Although @nadiacalvino.eib.org calls gender equality a key priority, the funding doesn’t match the rhetoric. With human rights eroding across the EU & beyond, the EIB needs to update its gender strategy!

3/ Years later, issues with water quality and foul odours remain unresolved. We continue to support the affected communities, providing guidance as they seek accountability from the parties responsible.

2/ However, environmental and social concerns raised by local residents led to an investigation by the IFC’s Compliance Advisor Ombudsman, which later confirmed their grievances were well-founded.

1/ Together with @ecodiya.bsky.social, we visited the Ivano–Frankivsk region in Ukraine, where the Danish company Goodvalley (formerly Axzon) runs large-scale industrial pig farms. 🐷

In 2013, the @ifcorg.bsky.social approved the expansion of these operations.

📝 Add your voice: sign the petition handsoffnature.eu/

#HandsOffNature

3/ The Commission is stripping away nature protection laws piece by piece. But we can and must stop this misguided trend! Our institutions are meant to represent us. So let’s be clear: we do not accept weakening the laws that protect our water, our air, and nature.

2/ It’s the backbone of EU water policy, keeping our water safe and healthy for everyone. Exemptions, delayed action on harmful substances, or weaker pollution controls would drive biodiversity loss, risk ecosystem collapse, and put public health in danger, reducing access to safe drinking water.

1/ Europe’s water is at risk and needs your help! Sign the petition now 👇

The @ec.europa.eu has threatened to weaken the EU law that has been protecting our rivers, lakes, wetlands, and groundwater for the past 25 years.

Ursula von der Leyen

Legal, technical and financial challenges facing energy communities in central and eastern Europe - Bankwatch This briefing identifies the legal, technical and financial barriers facing energy communities in five EU Member States.

⚡ ☘️ Energy communities are an increasingly important grassroots component of Europe’s clean energy transition. Beyond their role in decarbonisation and social inclusion, they’re also vital for strengthening local resilience and energy security.
💡 Read the full briefing: bankwatch.org/publication/...

🎤Tomorrow, @nadiacalvino.eib.org – President of @eib.org – presents the EIB Group’s annual results. One issue must not be dodged: the lack of progress on gender equality & inclusion. Despite all its promises, the EIB has still not updated its 2016 gender strategy.

👉 bankwatch.org/blog/ringing...

3/ ❓ Do you agree? What do you think are the top priorities for energy efficiency in the Western Balkans?

Priority measures for energy efficiency in buildings: Discussion paper on energy poverty, energy sufficiency and deep renovation in the Western Balkans - Bankwatch In the Western Balkans, buildings use more than 40% of energy, and they are poorly insulated, inefficient and reliant on outdated heating systems, leading to energy waste.

2/ Our new report highlights three priorities:
✅ Address energy poverty
✅ Embed energy sufficiency in policy
✅ Scale up deep renovation

Read more: bankwatch.org/publication/...

1/ ❄️Every winter reminds us how much energy houses consume. In the Western Balkans, buildings use 40% of total energy due to poor insulation and outdated systems.

The answer is energy efficiency coupled with energy sufficiency.

We’re joining a campaign to reclaim the EU’s public bank for the public good.

🤑 Right now, the @eib.org is prioritising competitiveness and corporate profit over people, climate justice and social equity. This must change!

Read our policy recommendations: counter-balance.org/social-and-g...

Launch Event - Shared Green Societies Across Europe, the demand for a green transition that is inclusive, just and has the backing of the people is increasingly urgent. Communities, authorities, civil society and SSH (Social Sciences and ...

Across Europe, the demand for a green transition that is inclusive, just, and supported by citizens is becoming increasingly urgent. To better connect evidence, practice, and policy, Shared Green Deal is launching the Shared Green Societies Forum. Join us on 28.01:
sharedgreendeal.eu/shared-green...

🙌 It’s time to realign the @eib.org with climate justice, social equality, and democratic accountability. Check out the recommendations thread from @counter-balance.bsky.social 👇

Financing the EU’s energy and climate targets - Bankwatch

✍️Our blog posts and stories bring national perspectives to the big debates shaping the EU’s future. Our publications provide in‑depth analysis and that inform policies, strengthen advocacy, and guide decision makers.
👉Check out our extensive resources in Multimedia Hub:
bankwatch.org/europeangree...

A recent report from @ceebankwatch.bsky.social reveals a systemic flaw in how EU climate funds are being spent in Central and Eastern Europe, with billions going to incinerators and landfills rather than performance-enhancing initiatives like separate collection of organics 💸🔥

zurl.co/whtSz

Two years after separate biowaste collection became mandatory in EU cities, biowaste continues to be burned or landfilled in central and eastern Europe, undermining EU climate goals. ☣️

Our briefing shows where policy and funding are falling short – and how to fix it: bankwatch.org/publication/...

The Romanian government’s fossil gas obsession not only undermines climate action – it also risks increasing imports, creating stranded assets and hiking energy bills.

Read Raluca Petcu’s deep dive here: bankwatch.org/blog/romania...

Decarbonisation roadmap

🏙️ Decarbonising the energy sector is essential for meeting the EU’s climate neutrality targets. But are municipalities in central and eastern Europe ready for the challenge? In our ‘Decarbonisation Roadmap’ series, we explore how municipalities are preparing to take action. 🔍

Financing the EU’s energy and climate targets - Bankwatch

2/2 ℹ️ The otherr unpacks the EU’s Social Climate Fund, with insights from civil society, researchers and community energy experts.

Visit our Multimedia Hub! Scroll down to find our latest podcasts:
bankwatch.org/europeangree...