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CEE Bankwatch Network

@ceebankwatch.bsky.social
1.2K followers 1.2K following 679 posts

We're a network of civil society green groups making international public finance work for people and the planet 💚 development banks • EU funds • environment • human rights • energy transition • fossil free future 📌 Based in CEE www.bankwatch.org

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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
🛣️Transport corridors are reshaping the Western Balkans. But what happens when development comes at the cost of rivers, forests and biodiversity? For Corridor 8 in North Macedonia, environmental safeguards and accountability remain major concerns.
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
What does this tell us about Europe’s energy transition? 🔗 bankwatch.org/blog/romania...
bankwatch.org
Romania’s energy crisis exposes faltering gas strategy as battery storage surges - Bankwatch
Romania’s energy crisis has laid bare the risks of relying on delayed gas projects to replace coal power. Meanwhile, battery storage has been developing much faster and is already providing much-neede...
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Romania waited for gas. Batteries moved ahead. 🔋 Gas plants intended to replace coal were delayed or cancelled. Meanwhile, Romania built 1.09 GW of battery storage by Sept 2026, almost hitting its 2030 target.
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
@ecodiya.bsky.social, @wwf.eu
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
⛰️ Ukraine needs #RenewableEnergy but the green transition shouldn’t come at nature’s expense. 📜 Our new issue paper examines Oschadbank’s role of financing, @ebrd.bsky.social’s financial intermediary, of a wind farm on Mount Runa & the risks it raises for biodiversity: bankwatch.org/publication/...
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
5/5 Explore more: online.flipbuilder.com/CEE-Bankwatc...
online.flipbuilder.com
2026_empowering vulnerable communities
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
4/5 Check out our infographics for more national details, taken from our digital booklet ‘Empowering vulnerable communities: Practical climate solutions from central and eastern Europe’. bankwatch.org/europeangree...
bankwatch.org
Financing the EU’s energy and climate targets - Bankwatch
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
3/5 The challenges and solutions differ, but the lesson remains the same: a successful green transition must also be a fair one.
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
2/5 Examples range from cycling schemes in BG and on-demand transport in EST and LT to home renovations in CZ and RO, community energy in PL, urban regeneration in HU and social housing upgrades in SK. These initiatives show that climate action is not only about cutting emissions.
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
💡 The most effective climate solutions are often those that improve people’s lives at the same time. It’s also about reducing poverty and creating opportunities for those most affected by the energy transition. A THREAD...⬇️
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Reposted by CEE Bankwatch Network
Uzbek Forum for Human Rights @uzbekforum.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
The appalling human cost when development banks @ebrd.bsky.social & @ifcorg.bsky.social fail to enforce social & environmental safeguards. Some 10,000 livelihoods were destroyed by the Indorama Agro #cotton project in #Uzbekistan but no-one appears to be responsible. tinyurl.com/yc3sndpa
tinyurl.com
It is time to hold MDBs accountable for enforcing environmental and social safeguards
Eurasianet commentary
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Reposted by CEE Bankwatch Network
Environmental Paper Network @environmentalpaper.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
The billions of euros of public funding saved will then be available for investing in energy savings, storage and grid upgrades, restoring forest ecosystems and incentivising foresters to use continuous cover forestry. Read the paper here: environmentalpaper.org/2026/09/why-...
environmentalpaper.org
Why the EU must stop subsidies for burning trees: A policy mistake that needs to be corrected - Environmental Paper Network
More than 40 NGOs have come together to call on the EU to stop incentivising biomass in the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and the EU Emissions Trading
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
2/2 ⚠️ But critical gaps remain. To guarantee the Complaints Mechanism’s independence, the @eib.org Board needs regular and timely information on cases directly from the Mechanism. This is particularly important when it comes to high-risk projects. Read our letter: bankwatch.org/wp-content/u...
bankwatch.org
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
1/2 The @eib.org Board of Directors meets today – and may approve the Bank’s new accountability policy. Our comments: 🥳The policy is clearer and more coherent, and many of our recommendations have been taken on board, thanks in part to a meaningful public consultation.
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
2) 💶 That’s why we support this paper by Fern on why the EU must stop allowing subsidies to burn wood. ☀️ Scarce public money must be spent wisely: energy efficiency first, then solar, wind, heat pumps and geothermal. Read more: www.fern.org/publications...
fern.org
Why the EU must stop subsidies for burning trees: A policy mistake that needs to be corrected
More than 40 NGOs have come together to call on the EU to stop incentivising biomass in the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and the EU Emissions Trading Sys...
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
1) 🔥 For decades now, the EU has allowed subsidies for large-scale wood burning. This was always a risky idea. 🌳 As well as the climate, biodiversity and air pollution impacts of biomass, demand from power/heat plants often pushes up wood prices for households in need.
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
4/4 We’re calling for a fundamental reassessment of the Serbia gas project’s rationale, alternatives and climate compatibility. The EU has now stopped funding gas infrastructure in the region, and the World Bank must do so as well.
bankwatch.org
Letter to the World Bank Board on the Serbia – Strategic Gas Infrastructure and Institutional Strengthening Project - Bankwatch
In this joint letter we urge the World Bank Board to defer approval of the Serbia – Strategic Gas Infrastructure and Institutional Strengthening Project.
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
3/4 Together, these projects signal increased Bank support for fossil gas use in the Western Balkans. This would undermine decarbonisation, increase import dependence and exacerbate vulnerability to price fluctuations.
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
2/4 This Thursday, the World Bank plans to approve a USD 195.5 million loan for a new fossil gas pipeline and reforms in Serbia.Earlier this year, the Bank also approved a US 2.4 million grant to help North Macedonia prepare a new gas power and heat plant in Bitola.
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
1/4 The World Bank is increasing financing for fossil gas in the Western Balkans. But this would take the region in the wrong direction. That’s why 14 organisations have written to the Bank’s Board today. bankwatch.org/public...
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
🇺🇦 Reconstruction funding shouldn’t just go to the big cities – smaller communities need access too! Here’s how: bankwatch.org/publication/...
bankwatch.org
The Social Climate Fund and the ‘do no significant harm’ principle: Lessons for Ukraine’s public investment management system - Bankwatch
This briefing examines how Ukraine can strengthen the environmental safeguards in its public investment system by learning from the EU’s Social Climate
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
💬🗣Last week, Bankwatch took part in a capacity-building seminar in Košice 🇸🇰 on how better planning, partnerships and green project design can help communities turn ideas into fundable projects. @unep.org @bmz.de
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
📢RePower the Regions wants to introduce itself to the🌍 For almost 3 years, it travelled across 16 carbon-intensive regions, learning, listening, and helping communities shape their clean-energy future. Its experiences have been turned into an interactive toolkit. Explore⬇️⬇️
online.flipbuilder.com
2026_06_23_Just transition toolkit
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
🇺🇦 Ukraine’s reconstruction is happening now, not after the war. At the Czech-Ukrainian Discussion Forum in Prague 🇨🇿 organised by @amo.cz, Bankwatch highlighted why sustainability and environmental safeguards must be built into recovery from the outset, as Ukraine moves towards EU membership.
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
5) You can take part in the Commission’s consultation here: ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/run...
ec.europa.eu
Targeted public consultation - draft guidance on the application of the ‘do no significant harm’ principle under the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF)
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
4) ❌ Lower standards for non-EU countries, including accession countries ❌ Too few activity types considered as always harmful ❌ Unjustified exceptions from these activities, often lowering existing standards ❌ Many potentially harmful activities not subject to DNSH criteria or assessments.
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
3) The bad news: ❌ Sweeping exemptions for ‘overriding public interest’ – projects proven harmful under EU legislation but granted derogations ❌ Blanket exemptions for ‘defence and security’ ❌ Exemptions for taxonomy-compliant activities, thus introducing parallel, inconsistent criteria…
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
2) The good news: ✅ A unified approach is planned across all EU funds ✅ Duplication with existing EU law is reduced ✅ Some harmful activities are clearly excluded
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
1) 📣 A public consultation is open until 16 September on the European Commission’s approach to applying the ‘do no significant harm’ (DNSH) principle in the next EU budget, from 2028 to 2034. 💡Read our new briefing: bankwatch.org/publication/...
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
♻️ Ukraine needs renewable energy but not at nature’s expense. Our new issue paper examines the Mount Runa wind farm and what the case means for biodiversity protection and Ukraine’s green reconstruction. 🔗 bankwatch.org/publication/...
bankwatch.org
Ukraine’s Mount Runa at risk: Why the EBRD and Oschadbank wind farm investment sets a dangerous precedent - Bankwatch
This issue paper examines the environmental and social risks associated with the planned 156-megawatt Mount Runa wind farm in the Ukrainian Carpathians and the role of financing provided by the Europe...
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
🌲 At the Carpathian Convention meeting in Vienna 🇦🇹, we raised concerns about Mount Runa, where a large wind farm is being built in a high-biodiversity area. Construction began before the environmental assessment was complete. 40+ hectares of forest were cleared for a power line.
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
📖 Read our report and see what the evidence tells us: bankwatch.org/publication/...
bankwatch.org
Waste incineration trends in the Western Balkans: A critical overview of energy and heat generation - Bankwatch
The following recommendations outline the steps required to advance the decarbonisation of district heating systems, enhance waste management practices and support the development of a truly circular ...
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
🤔 Can burning waste really be called circular when separate collection, reuse & recycling are still largely missing? At the WASTE–RESOURCE conference in Sarajevo 🇧🇦, we discussed #WasteIncineration, co-incineration & alternative fuels, and shared our latest research on the #WesternBalkans.
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Our reaction to last week's @financialtimes.com piece on MHP was published today! Huge 🐔 production isn't remotely as good as it sounds, and local communities are the ones living with the consequences. Great to see serious journalism taking our perspective into account. 📜: www.ft.com/content/b874...
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
🛣️Corridor Vc – the EU’s flagship motorway through Bosnia and Herzegovina – should have been completed by 2012. It’s now 2026 and only around 45% of the motorway has been built, with costs soaring to nearly EUR 5.2 billion – and still rising. 🔗Read our new briefing: bankwatch.org/publication/...
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
A modern heating system doesn’t need a soloist. It needs a choir. 🎶 Tartu brings together waste heat, river water, thermal storage, district cooling and renewable energy to create a system that reduces fossil fuel dependence. 🎥 See how Tartu found its harmony: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCE1...
youtube.com
Harmony in heat: a new chapter for district energy
YouTube video by Bankwatch
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
One thing will be crucial for successful implementation: adequate funding. 💶 Our recent report examines restoration projects in 5 countries and provides cost estimates to help inform better planning and investment in nature restoration. 👉 Check it out: bankwatch.org/publication/...
bankwatch.org
Unlocking nature financing: National cost estimates for effective nature restoration - Bankwatch
To support national planning, CEE Bankwatch Network and EuroNatur, in cooperation with national partners, led a study in five Member States – Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Hungary and Croatia – to estimate...
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Today marks the deadline for EU Member States to submit their national restoration plans. 🌱 We’re eager to see how they plan to restore nature – and how ambitious their plans will be. The final steps in the process have to be transparent&inclusive!
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
🗣️The clean energy transition starts at the local level. Our short shows how collaboration between citizens, municipalities, experts and public authorities can drive building renovations, reduce energy poverty and deliver better outcomes for communities.
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
🗣️Energy-efficient renovations can deliver real results, from significantly lower heating bills to faster, less disruptive construction methods. 📽️ This short video shows how innovative renovation approaches can improve comfort, reduce energy costs and strengthen communities.
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Reposted by CEE Bankwatch Network
Counter Balance @counter-balance.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Together with 07 organisations, Counter Balance is calling on the @eib.org to: 🛢️ Stop financing fossil fuel expansion 📉 Make companies turn climate plans into real action 🔎 Follow where EIB money ultimately goes Read the letter 👇
counter-balance.org
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
🗣️The future of heating isn’t just renewable – it’s smarter, cleaner and more flexible. See how electrified district heating and thermal storage can help balance energy supply and demand, strengthen grid resilience and support the transition to a cleaner energy system.
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
In our latest podcast, we take a closer look at the new National and Regional Partnership Plans and what they mean in practice for regions and communities. Join us for a discussion on democracy, cohesion policy and how decisions made today could shape future reforms: open.spotify.com/episode/6YQ3...
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
📢Lower heating costs are just one of the benefits of a well-insulated home. 📽️Our short shows how energy renovations can improve comfort, reduce noise, and create a healthier living environment while delivering long-term savings.
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
@ecodiya.bsky.social
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The catch: communities with the greatest needs may lack the expertise and resources needed to prepare projects for funding. Our latest blog post looks at how Ukraine can close this gap and ensure its reconstruction pipeline doesn’t leave communities behind. 👉 bankwatch.org/blog/how-ukr...
bankwatch.org
How Ukraine can turn community needs into bankable projects - Bankwatch
Ukraine’s public investment management (PIM) system faces a fundamental challenge: communities and ministries often know what they need, but lack the time, data, expertise and money to turn those need...
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
🏘️ A community knows it needs a new water system, better heating or public transport. But how does that need become a project that can attract financing? That’s one of Ukraine’s reconstruction challenges.
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FEPS Europe @feps-europe.eu · 13/08/2026
🔎 The European Green Deal tracker measures progress in implementing the EGD at the national level through an indicator-based index and case studies. Read the policy study now! 📕 bit.ly/GreenDealTra... 🤝 By FEPS, with @fesonline.bsky.social Just Climate, @ieep.eu and @ceebankwatch.bsky.social
bit.ly
The European Green Deal tracker - Foundation for European Progressive Studies
Assessing the implementation of the Green Deal in member states
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
📢 Ahead of #COP17, turning local priorities into action matters more than ever. Tariff reform, an Extended Producer Responsibility scheme, and greater transparency around plans for Yerevan and regional waste centres are key to building sustainable waste systems.
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CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
🚛 We discussed #WasteManagement solutions for Yerevan and visited the Kotayk Solid Waste Management project, co-financed by @ebrd.bsky.social and EU's NIF. Encouraging progress on separate waste collection in Sevan w/ support from AUA's Acopian Center for the Environment and @sidasweden.bsky.social.
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