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		<title>Bankwatch</title>
        <description></description>
        <link>https://bankwatch.org</link>
		<lastBuildDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 06:25:31 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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							<title><![CDATA[Waste incineration trends in the Western Balkans: A critical overview of energy and heat generation]]></title>
							<link><![CDATA[https://bankwatch.org/publication/waste-incineration-trends-in-the-western-balkans-a-critical-overview-of-energy-and-heat-generation]]></link>
							<pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 08:00:55 +0200</pubDate>
							<dc:creator>Gosia Zubowicz</dc:creator>
							<dc:identifier>155747</dc:identifier>
							<dc:modified>2026-04-21 08:25:31</dc:modified>
							<dc:created unix="1776758455">2026-04-21 08:00:55</dc:created>
							<guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[https://bankwatch.org/publication/waste-incineration-trends-in-the-western-balkans-a-critical-overview-of-energy-and-heat-generation]]></guid>
							<description><![CDATA[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 economy.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[Western Balkan governments and utility companies are increasingly pursuing waste-to-energy incineration.

Overall, evidence from the Western Balkans and the EU shows that waste incineration is a dead-end pathway, increasing financial and environmental risks, locking municipalities into high-carbon infrastructure, and undermining both the heating transition and EU-compliant waste management reforms.

Since incineration fails to offer a viable, EU‑aligned pathway for the Western Balkans, a different approach is needed. 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 economy.]]></content:encoded><enclosure url="https://bankwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026_04_Cover_Waste-incineration-150x150.jpg"/><media:content url="https://bankwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026_04_Cover_Waste-incineration-150x150.jpg" height="150" width="150" type="image/jpeg"/>		
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							<title><![CDATA[Who gets a seat  at the table? Assessing public participation  in the development  of national  and regional partnership  plans in 17 EU Member States]]></title>
							<link><![CDATA[https://bankwatch.org/publication/who-gets-a-seat-at-the-table-assessing-public-participation-in-the-development-of-national-and-regional-partnership-plans-in-17-eu-member-states]]></link>
							<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:29:12 +0200</pubDate>
							<dc:creator>Magda Wiejak</dc:creator>
							<dc:identifier>155741</dc:identifier>
							<dc:modified>2026-04-17 15:29:12</dc:modified>
							<dc:created unix="1776439752">2026-04-17 15:29:12</dc:created>
							<guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[https://bankwatch.org/publication/who-gets-a-seat-at-the-table-assessing-public-participation-in-the-development-of-national-and-regional-partnership-plans-in-17-eu-member-states]]></guid>
							<description><![CDATA[This joint briefing prepared by 25 organisations offers traffic-light assessment of consultation practices in 17 Member States using criteria such as permanent dialogue forums, early and inclusive consultations, integration of feedback, stakeholder diversity, and transparency.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[EU Member States have begun preparing national and regional partnership plans for the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework, creating an early opportunity to embed the partnership principle through meaningful engagement with local authorities, civil society, social partners, and other stakeholders.

This joint briefing prepared by 25 organisations offers traffic-light assessment of consultation practices in 17 Member States using criteria such as permanent dialogue forums, early and inclusive consultations, integration of feedback, stakeholder diversity, and transparency.]]></content:encoded><enclosure url="https://bankwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/WWW-Use-for-webpage-covers-blog-post-publications-PRs-1-150x150.png"/><media:content url="https://bankwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/WWW-Use-for-webpage-covers-blog-post-publications-PRs-1-150x150.png" height="150" width="150" type="image/png"/>		
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							<title><![CDATA[Call for an EU-Wide Windfall Profit Mechanism in Response to the Energy Crisis]]></title>
							<link><![CDATA[https://bankwatch.org/publication/call-for-an-eu-wide-windfall-profit-mechanism-in-response-to-the-energy-crisis]]></link>
							<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:42:11 +0200</pubDate>
							<dc:creator>Magda Wiejak</dc:creator>
							<dc:identifier>155736</dc:identifier>
							<dc:modified>2026-04-17 14:50:55</dc:modified>
							<dc:created unix="1776436931">2026-04-17 14:42:11</dc:created>
							<guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[https://bankwatch.org/publication/call-for-an-eu-wide-windfall-profit-mechanism-in-response-to-the-energy-crisis]]></guid>
							<description><![CDATA[We have joined 30 European NGOs in calling on the EU to tax excess oil profits to support Europeans during the energy crisis. The group represents more than 40 million citizens across more than 2,000 member organisations, all calling for the funds from these excess profits to go towards shielding vulnerable households and supporting the clean]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<span data-ogsc="rgb(0, 0, 0)">We have joined 30 European NGOs</span><span data-ogsc="rgb(0, 0, 0)"> in calling on the EU to tax excess oil profits to support Europeans during the energy crisis. T</span><span data-ogsc="rgb(0, 0, 0)">he group represents more than 40 million citizens across more than 2,000 member organisations, all calling for the funds from these excess profits to go towards shielding vulnerable households and supporting the clean energy transition. </span>]]></content:encoded><enclosure url=""/><media:content url="" height="" width="" type=""/>		
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							<title><![CDATA[To be or not to be continued? Analysis of the Just Transition Fund implementation across six EU countries]]></title>
							<link><![CDATA[https://bankwatch.org/publication/to-be-or-not-to-be-continued-analysis-of-the-just-transition-fund-implementation-across-six-eu-countries]]></link>
							<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:52:33 +0200</pubDate>
							<dc:creator>Magda Wiejak</dc:creator>
							<dc:identifier>155725</dc:identifier>
							<dc:modified>2026-04-15 10:52:33</dc:modified>
							<dc:created unix="1776250353">2026-04-15 10:52:33</dc:created>
							<guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[https://bankwatch.org/publication/to-be-or-not-to-be-continued-analysis-of-the-just-transition-fund-implementation-across-six-eu-countries]]></guid>
							<description><![CDATA[Despite implementation challenges, the Just Transition Fund has delivered impacts that go beyond infrastructure and economic restructuring, supporting governance capacity, strategic thinking, and greater societal acceptance of change. This report, therefore, seeks to explain why continued and targeted support for regions in transition remains essential.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[We are now at the midpoint of the current Multiannual Financial Framework. Looking back at the implementation to date, it is important to acknowledge that the Just Transition Mechanism, and in particular the Just Transition Fund (JTF), were new instruments that required significant institutional and administrative adjustments from all stakeholders.

Despite implementation challenges, the Just Transition Fund has delivered impacts that go beyond infrastructure and economic restructuring, supporting governance capacity, strategic thinking, and greater societal acceptance of change. This report, therefore, seeks to explain why continued and targeted support for regions in transition remains essential.]]></content:encoded><enclosure url=""/><media:content url="" height="" width="" type=""/>		
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							<title><![CDATA[Towards a just, green and accountable EU budget: Bankwatch’s recommendations for the Committee on Budgets interim report]]></title>
							<link><![CDATA[https://bankwatch.org/publication/towards-a-just-green-and-accountable-eu-budget-bankwatch-s-recommendations-for-the-committee-on-budgets-interim-report]]></link>
							<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:39:43 +0200</pubDate>
							<dc:creator>Gosia Zubowicz</dc:creator>
							<dc:identifier>155715</dc:identifier>
							<dc:modified>2026-04-15 14:52:46</dc:modified>
							<dc:created unix="1776166783">2026-04-14 11:39:43</dc:created>
							<guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[https://bankwatch.org/publication/towards-a-just-green-and-accountable-eu-budget-bankwatch-s-recommendations-for-the-committee-on-budgets-interim-report]]></guid>
							<description><![CDATA[It is crucial for Members of the European Parliament to ensure the next long-term budget genuinely supports a fair green transition, territorial cohesion and democratic accountability.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[Ahead of the European Parliament's Committee on Budgets vote on its draft interim report on the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework, it is crucial for Members of the European Parliament to ensure the next long-term budget genuinely supports a fair green transition, territorial cohesion and democratic accountability.

While the European Commission’s budget proposal does increase investment in the clean transition, the heavy focus on programme consolidation, centralised national and regional partnership plans, and ‘flexibility’ risk undermining environmental and social objectives, transparency, and ongoing support for carbon-intensive mining regions.]]></content:encoded><enclosure url="https://bankwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026_04_Cover_Towards-a-just-green-and-accountable-EU-budget-150x150.jpg"/><media:content url="https://bankwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026_04_Cover_Towards-a-just-green-and-accountable-EU-budget-150x150.jpg" height="150" width="150" type="image/jpeg"/>		
					</item>
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							<title><![CDATA[Bankwatch comments on the EBRD’s draft 2026–2030 Gender Equality and Human Capital Strategy]]></title>
							<link><![CDATA[https://bankwatch.org/publication/bankwatch-comments-on-the-ebrd-s-draft-2026-2030-gender-equality-and-human-capital-strategy]]></link>
							<pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:46:28 +0200</pubDate>
							<dc:creator>Michaela Kozminova</dc:creator>
							<dc:identifier>155709</dc:identifier>
							<dc:modified>2026-04-13 14:46:28</dc:modified>
							<dc:created unix="1776091588">2026-04-13 14:46:28</dc:created>
							<guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[https://bankwatch.org/publication/bankwatch-comments-on-the-ebrd-s-draft-2026-2030-gender-equality-and-human-capital-strategy]]></guid>
							<description><![CDATA[In its policy comments, the CEE Bankwatch Network explains that, given the stagnation or even reversal of global progress in this area, the Strategy must be more ambitious and effective. The EBRD must strengthen implementation, targets and accountability in order to translate its commitments into tangible, inclusive outcomes for women and underserved groups.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's (EBRD) draft Gender Equality and Human Capital Strategy for 2026–2030 acknowledges the existence of persistent structural barriers to inclusion. It recognises widespread inequalities, including unequal access to economic opportunities, finance, infrastructure, and services, as well as discrimination and gender-based violence. Bankwatch welcomes the Bank's <span class="TextRun SCXW15104489 BCX8" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW15104489 BCX8">commitment to advancing gender equality and inclusion through this strategy.</span></span>
However, in its policy comments, the CEE Bankwatch Network explains that, given the stagnation or even reversal of global progress in this area, the Strategy must be more ambitious and effective. The EBRD must strengthen implementation, targets and accountability in order to translate its commitments into tangible, inclusive outcomes for women and underserved groups.]]></content:encoded><enclosure url="https://bankwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/WWW-Use-for-webpage-covers-blog-post-publications-PRs-1-1--150x150.png"/><media:content url="https://bankwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/WWW-Use-for-webpage-covers-blog-post-publications-PRs-1-1--150x150.png" height="150" width="150" type="image/png"/>		
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							<title><![CDATA[The southern gas interconnection in Bosnia and Herzegovina: why the proposed legal amendments are not in the interests of BiH and must not be adopted via an urgent procedure (BiH)]]></title>
							<link><![CDATA[https://bankwatch.org/publication/the-southern-gas-interconnection-in-bosnia-and-herzegovina-why-the-proposed-legal-amendments-are-not-in-the-interests-of-bih-and-must-not-be-adopted-via-an-urgent-procedure-bih]]></link>
							<pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:54:20 +0200</pubDate>
							<dc:creator>Ana Kuzmanić</dc:creator>
							<dc:identifier>155699</dc:identifier>
							<dc:modified>2026-04-02 12:54:20</dc:modified>
							<dc:created unix="1775134460">2026-04-02 12:54:20</dc:created>
							<guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[https://bankwatch.org/publication/the-southern-gas-interconnection-in-bosnia-and-herzegovina-why-the-proposed-legal-amendments-are-not-in-the-interests-of-bih-and-must-not-be-adopted-via-an-urgent-procedure-bih]]></guid>
							<description><![CDATA[This briefing analyses the proposed amendments to the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Law on the southern gas interconnection, a pipeline planned to bring gas from Croatia's Krk LNG terminal to Bosnia and Herzegovina.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[This briefing analyses the proposed amendments to the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Law on the southern gas interconnection, a pipeline planned to bring gas from Croatia's Krk LNG terminal to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The amendments have been submitted under an urgent procedure, but our analysis finds that it contains major changes which would breach several laws, massively increase the cost of the project, and leave key decisions to non-transparent negotiations between the Federation government and the proposed investor, AAFS. The company is represented by close associates of Donald Trump, and its true ownerships remain unknown to the public. It was founded in November 2025 and has no experience in relevant sectors, raising red flags on corruption risks.]]></content:encoded><enclosure url="https://bankwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/IMG_2167-150x150.jpg"/><media:content url="https://bankwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/IMG_2167-150x150.jpg" height="150" width="150" type="image/jpeg"/>		
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							<title><![CDATA[The European Green Deal Tracker]]></title>
							<link><![CDATA[https://bankwatch.org/publication/the-european-green-deal-tracker]]></link>
							<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:22:05 +0200</pubDate>
							<dc:creator>Magda Wiejak</dc:creator>
							<dc:identifier>155686</dc:identifier>
							<dc:modified>2026-03-31 16:22:05</dc:modified>
							<dc:created unix="1774974125">2026-03-31 16:22:05</dc:created>
							<guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[https://bankwatch.org/publication/the-european-green-deal-tracker]]></guid>
							<description><![CDATA[The European Green Deal, originally envisioned as the EU’s major strategy for achieving climate neutrality, is now facing significant political, social, and environmental challenges.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[The European Green Deal, originally envisioned as the EU’s major strategy for achieving climate neutrality, is now facing significant political, social, and environmental challenges.

Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS), Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP), together with CEE Bankwatch Network, carried out an assessment of national implementation, which shows mixed progress and highlights the need to address persistent weaknesses across Member States. For this purpose, the European Green Deal Tracker was developed, with the aim to assess the implementation progress of the European Green Deal at national levels through an indicator-based index and case studies. Such an approach provides an accessible way to compare national efforts and explore key policy areas.]]></content:encoded><enclosure url=""/><media:content url="" height="" width="" type=""/>		
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							<title><![CDATA[Electricity market integration needs environmental compliance: Joint civil society position paper on CBAM and the Western Balkans electricity sector]]></title>
							<link><![CDATA[https://bankwatch.org/publication/electricity-market-integration-needs-environmental-compliance-joint-civil-society-position-paper-on-cbam-and-the-western-balkans-electricity-sector]]></link>
							<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:19:13 +0100</pubDate>
							<dc:creator>Gosia Zubowicz</dc:creator>
							<dc:identifier>155606</dc:identifier>
							<dc:modified>2026-03-19 09:19:13</dc:modified>
							<dc:created unix="1773911953">2026-03-19 09:19:13</dc:created>
							<guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[https://bankwatch.org/publication/electricity-market-integration-needs-environmental-compliance-joint-civil-society-position-paper-on-cbam-and-the-western-balkans-electricity-sector]]></guid>
							<description><![CDATA[The inclusion of electricity in the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) has raised questions about CBAM’s impacts on EU-Western Balkans market integration.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[The inclusion of electricity in the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) has raised questions about CBAM’s impacts on EU-Western Balkans market integration.

But this position paper argues that electricity market integration cannot work without equal rules – it needs to go hand in hand with environmental and climate compliance. The EU must do more to ensure this, and CBAM can help to contribute.]]></content:encoded><enclosure url="https://bankwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026_03_Cover_CBAM-150x150.jpg"/><media:content url="https://bankwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026_03_Cover_CBAM-150x150.jpg" height="150" width="150" type="image/jpeg"/>		
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							<title><![CDATA[Civil society proposals for amendments to the Ukraine Plan in light of the Ukraine Support Loan]]></title>
							<link><![CDATA[https://bankwatch.org/publication/civil-society-proposals-for-amendments-to-the-ukraine-plan-in-light-of-the-ukraine-support-loan]]></link>
							<pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 12:27:42 +0100</pubDate>
							<dc:creator>Magda Wiejak</dc:creator>
							<dc:identifier>155615</dc:identifier>
							<dc:modified>2026-03-19 12:30:46</dc:modified>
							<dc:created unix="1773836862">2026-03-18 12:27:42</dc:created>
							<guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[https://bankwatch.org/publication/civil-society-proposals-for-amendments-to-the-ukraine-plan-in-light-of-the-ukraine-support-loan]]></guid>
							<description><![CDATA[We welcome the EU’s continued commitment to supporting Ukraine and meeting its financial requirements through existing financial mechanisms and the additional EUR 90 billion Ukraine Support Loan, which will cover Ukraine’s budgetary needs and ensure investment in the defence sector throughout 2026 and 2027. The loan serves as a vital complement to the support provided by the EU under both the G7 ERA Loans initiative and the Ukraine Facility. We also welcome its concessional design and the intention for interest costs to be covered by the EU budget.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[We welcome the EU’s continued commitment to supporting Ukraine and meeting its financial requirements through existing financial mechanisms and the additional EUR 90 billion Ukraine Support Loan, which will cover Ukraine’s budgetary needs and ensure investment in the defence sector throughout 2026 and 2027. The loan serves as a vital complement to the support provided by the EU under both the G7 ERA Loans initiative and the Ukraine Facility. We also welcome its concessional design and the intention for interest costs to be covered by the EU budget.

The EU 30 billion in budgetary assistance stemming from the Ukraine Support Loan will be utilised through the Ukraine Facility, contingent upon the satisfactory fulfilment of conditions laid down in the Ukraine Plan, which sets out Ukraine’s reform and investment agenda. The Ukraine Plan should now be updated to reflect this additional budgetary assistance, linked to the fulfilment of the agreed policy reforms and preconditions.

As the Ukraine Facility Regulation stipulates consultations with stakeholders on the formulation and amendment of the Ukraine Plan, we kindly request that our proposals be considered for inclusion in the amended milestones for the Ukraine Plan.

Our proposed measures align with the Ukraine Plan adopted by the Ukrainian government on 20 March 2024 and approved by the Council of the European Union on 14 May 2024, with recent amendments of the Ukraine plan in 2025. They are also consistent with the recent amendments to the Ukraine Facility Regulation, signed on 24 February 2026, as well as the Ukrainian government’s Reform Matrix. For the full list of our proposed amendments to the Ukraine Plan, see the document below.]]></content:encoded><enclosure url=""/><media:content url="" height="" width="" type=""/>		
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