CEE Bankwatch Network

⏰ 8 years late. Coal power plants across the Western Balkans were supposed to comply with legally binding air pollution standards by 1 January 2018. Yet they continue to pollute far beyond these limits. Bankwatch’s latest ‘Comply or Close’ report shows the sheer scale of the problem: 🔴 Sulphur dioxide emissions were 6.6 times the combined legal limits for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Serbia in 2025. 💨 Dust emissions were 2.9 times the limit. 🧪 Nitrogen oxide emissions were 1.4 times the limit. And yet not a single plant operator has been fined. The question is no longer whether governments have had enough time to act. They have. Now they need to enforce the rules, hold polluters accountable and accelerate a managed transition away from coal. 👉 Explore our findings and recommendations: www.complyorclose.org

💡 The most effective climate solutions are often those that improve people’s lives at the same time. Examples range from cycling schemes in Bulgaria and on-demand transport in Estonia and Latvia to home renovations in Czechia and Romania, community energy in Poland, urban regeneration in Hungary and social housing upgrades in Slovakia. These initiatives show that climate action is not only about cutting emissions. It’s also about improving quality of life, reducing poverty and creating opportunities for those most affected by the transition. The challenges and solutions differ, but the lesson remains the same: a successful green transition must also be a fair one. Check out our infographics for more national details, taken from our digital booklet ‘Empowering vulnerable communities: Practical climate solutions from central and eastern Europe’. ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dqTZecqZ ➡️ Booklet: https://lnkd.in/dEQSYBRW

🗣️ Energy-efficient renovations can deliver real results, from significantly lower heating bills to faster, less disruptive construction methods. 📽️ As part of our ‘Powering change’ commentary series, this short video shows how innovative renovation approaches can improve comfort, reduce energy costs and strengthen communities.

🗣️The future of heating isn’t just renewable – it’s smarter, cleaner and more flexible. Our short shows 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. 📽️Watch now to learn how modern district heating can help build more resilient and sustainable cities.

🛣️ 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 330-km motorway has been built, with costs soaring to nearly EUR 5.2 billion – and still rising. In her new briefing, Alma Midžić examines 9 sections of the project that reveal a pattern of alleged corruption, cost increases and delays, procurement failures, unresolved property disputes, and poor engagement with affected communities. Among other developments, the briefing takes a closer look at these recent red flags: 🔴 The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) named 6 suspects in connection with alleged cross-border corruption tied to one of the sections; 🔴 15 people were arrested in a police operation over the alleged misuse of EUR 19.5 million linked to another section; 🔴 The Mostar South–Kvanj Tunnel section was pushed through without public consultation, triggering conflict with local communities and 21 formal complaints. 📢 We’re calling on the EU and international financial institutions (European Investment Bank (EIB), EBRD) to demand transparency and accountability before releasing further funds! Read the briefing here: https://lnkd.in/dQGjkxdp

🗣️ Energy-efficient homes are about more than staying warm in winter. As summers across Europe become hotter, people are increasingly concerned about keeping their homes cool and comfortable. 📽️Our short shows how simple upgrades can improve comfort, reduce energy use and support healthier living all year round.