High-profile arrests in Croatia highlight claims of corruption in renewables in region
At least two government officials are suspected of abuse of power in the case of the biggest wind farm in Croatia, which receives a substantial stimulus. The scandal follows massive complaints by the local population throughout Southeastern Europe and numerous accusations by activists of irregularities and corruption in projects for renewables, mostly small hydropower plants. […]
Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Slovenia plan to burn coal beyond 2030 – report on final NECPs
A new report published by Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe and ZERO looks into the final national energy and climate plans (NECPs) of 15 member states including countries in Southeastern Europe – Croatia, Greece, Romania, and Slovenia. In their initial drafts, a number of countries had already put forward much needed coal phaseout goals in […]
Italy enables homeowners to install PV systems for free
The Italian government has raised the so-called eco-bonus for photovoltaic (PV) installations and storage systems from 50% to 110%, effectively enabling homeowners to install PV systems at no cost. The higher subsidies are part of measures to bolster the country’s economy amid the COVID-19 crisis. Under the new provisions, the eco-bonus will be applied to […]
EU 2030 Biodiversity Strategy – Bringing nature back into our lives
Author: Boris Erg, Director of the IUCN Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia The European Commission has adopted a new EU 2030 Biodiversity Strategy this May, framing it as a “comprehensive, ambitious, long-term plan for protecting nature and reversing the degradation of ecosystems.” Undoubtedly, it comes very timely. The landmark Global Assessment on Biodiversity and […]
Most read in May: Corporate power purchase agreements, Vienna the greenest city, tallest wooden wind power tower in Europe
Our readers’ favorites last month were stories on the future of the energy markets, resident-centered urban planning and a solution that could change the wind power sector. The piece on corporate power purchase agreements, authored by top lawyers from CMS, was the most read this time. 1 – One alternative to state subsidy schemes is […]
Southeastern Europe may get EUR 10 billion as EU boosts Just Transition Fund plan
The European Commission has proposed to increase the funds intended for the energy transition of coal regions from EUR 7.5 billion to EUR 40 billion. The initial proposal for the economic recovery of the 27-country bloc has been amended to add massive stimulus. The move is part of the newest effort of the Commission, called […]
Kruševac wins European Mobility Week Award 2019
Kruševac (Serbia) is the winner of the European Mobility Week Award 2019 for larger municipalities, with Karditsa (Greece) taking home the award for smaller municipalities. The remaining two sustainable mobility awards, announced by the European Commission, went to Brussels Capital Region (Belgium) – 8th SUMP Award and to Pontevedra (Spain) – 1st EU Urban Road […]
Green bridges across roads and highways saving bears, lynxes, wolves
Infrastructure must be planned and adapted in a way to enable connectivity between areas inhabited by migrating animals. Roads and railways narrow their territories and cut their corridors, putting their population in danger. Green bridges or ecoducts for large mammals are the most effective solution to repair the damage. Such structures have been obligatory and […]