Ida-Virumaa, Estonia’s just transition region, is in a unique position to embrace community energy and become a pioneer in the field. But is the region realising its potential? Listen to our latest podcast episode of ‘decarbonisation roadmap’ series as we discuss the challenges of community energy development and how they can be overcome with Kertu…

How can municipalities in just transition regions ramp up their decarbonisation efforts? With the help of Dan Dobre – our just transition campaigner and the author of a report comparing municipal decarbonisation strategies in nine central and eastern European just transition regions we discuss the challenges and opportunities for these communities. Listen to our first…

Three years after Russia’s invasion, we examine Ukraine’s reconstruction roadmap through its Single Project Pipeline, exploring how $486 billion in recovery funds will shape the nation’s future.

In December 2024, the Bern Convention set a new target for expanding the Emerald Network. The purpose of the network is to preserve endangered species and habitats throughout Europe by designating and managing protected areas called Emerald sites.   However, widening the network in some areas has proved challenging. For example, important river stretches, especially in…

Our latest podcast episode explores the future of the just transition in the EU. Is the just transition a priority for the new European Commission? What’s next for the Just Transition Fund? These and more questions will be answered by our guests Miłosława Stępień, just transition coordinator at CEE Bankwatch Network, and Mags Bird, senior…

Gender-based violence and harassment on public transport is a serious but under-researched issue. In cities such as Tbilisi, Sarajevo and Belgrade, overcrowding and inefficient transport systems increase the vulnerability of women and gender minorities.  In this podcast episode, we bring together experts and civil society members from our recent webinar to discuss the challenges and…

Over the past decades, Bankwatch with its civil society partners have been monitoring the development projects financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Our experience has shown that the Bank’s existing approach to human rights due diligence does not effectively prevent human rights violations.   As the Bank is revising its good governance…

This episode explores the crucial role young people play in the just transition. Listen to our guests, Luisa Marchionni, project manager at Startup Europe Regions Network, and Joanna Jakubowska, just transition policy officer at CEE Bankwatch Network, share their valuable insights on the EuTeens4Green initiative. They discuss how young people can get involved in decision-making…

Last month, Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine entered its third year. Since February 2022, Bankwatch and our civil society partners in Ukraine have been closely monitoring the country’s remarkable resilience in facing the challenges of war while trying to meet its immediate reconstruction needs.  How have reconstruction efforts advanced over the past two years? And…

In our first episode of 2024, we shift the focus from our campaigns and projects to the bigger questions that will frame the work of Bankwatch, our civil society partners from Central Europe to Central Asia, and the field of international public finance in the coming year and beyond.   It’s a big year ahead for…