The energy performance contract model can turn energy efficiency renovation of buildings into a truly popular policy objective among politicians in Central and Eastern Europe because it can be done without any use of public money and has no impact on public debt, says Ivan Lesay.
As Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic start phasing out coal, campaigners argue that all actors – including small entrepreneurs, communities and civil society – must be part of the process.
The 32% renewable energy target agreed by EU negotiators last week is still “much lower” than what would be needed to reach the Paris goals on climate change, argue experts at the Heinrich Böll Foundation in Germany.
Viktor Orban's landslide victory last weekend is not good news for the EU. But it may also turn out to be a mixed blessing for the Visegrad group of Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
China has used the international economic crisis to elbow its way towards a dominant position on the global market. Its New Silk Road is seen as an attempt to create a massive, multi-national zone of economic and political influence, including in Central Europe. EURACTIV Poland/Czech Republic/Slovakia and Political Capital report.
The Polish government is still relying on Hungary’s Viktor Orbán to cover their backs. But this particular alliance may not last forever. EURACTIV Czech Republic takes a look at the story ahead of what could be a defining year for how the EU treats its problem kids.
The Czech Republic insists that it will not accept any refugees under the EU relocation system, despite a legal case brought by the European Commission.
There are many creative ways to finance small-scale energy efficiency projects such as building renovations, but they need to be discussed more at the European Commission level, and defined more precisely, Jessica Stromback told EURACTIV Czech Republic.
The Czechs do not know anything about the EU’s global strategies or the interconnection of energy networks. But they know very well that they can buy cheaper and better food in Germany, says MEP Tomáš Zdechovský (EPP).
The Czech Republic’s ‘pragmatic’ approach to the EU will not change significantly with the new government. But more unpredictability can be expected in the long term, with “Czexit” as the worst-case scenario being more likely than before.
Producers of solar electricity should pay higher taxes, according to the Czech government. The sector says it is being politicised before the elections. EURACTIV.cz reports.
It makes no sense to share a burden over which we have no control, the Czech government said in response to the criticism of its failure to comply with EU migrant relocation quotas. EURACTIV Czech Republic reports.
The Commission is working on an initiative to support coal mining regions during the transition towards a low-emission economy. EURACTIV Czech Republic reports.
Negotiations are beginning on the future of the European budget, which also includes funds financing cohesion policy. Meeting in Strasbourg, MEPs agreed they should not be reduced. Aktuálně reports.
Even the strongest soft powers need defence capacities sometimes. This was not the highlight of the politically-oriented “growth and jobs” guidelines of Jean-Claude Juncker’s campaign for the European Commission presidency in the summer of 2014 though.
The freedom of the press has been threatened in the Czech Republic, but the country can solve the situation on its own, lawmakers stated in a plenary debate on Thursday (1 June). EURACTIV.cz reports.
I do not exclude the 40% energy efficiency target on condition that all three stages of the energy flow are included, Adam Gierek told EURACTIV Czech Republic.
The Czech Republic and Slovakia see nuclear power as key to their future energy mix. But new reactors needed in both states, however, face financing problems due to the low price of electricity. EURACTIV.cz reports.
Just because Hungary has different ideas about issues like migration does not mean it should be perceived negatively. This is exactly why we are fed up, Szábolcs Takács told EURACTIV Czech Republic.
Thousands gathered in Prague and other Czech cities on Wednesday (10 May) for protests against Vice-Prime Minister Babiš and President Zeman, claiming they will continue to demonstrate until both politicians resign. EURACTIV Czech Republic reports.
The European Commission is emphasising the use of loans and guarantees to attract private funding in support for energy efficiency renovation projects. But Central European countries are only slowly catching up with this trend. EURACTIV Czech Republic reports.
It is hard to believe that a private university may lead to the expulsion of a member state. If the European Commission is going to support the opposition against Orbán, it is not going to help regain its credibility among member states, Balász Jarábik told EURACTIV Czech Republic.
In honour of World Press Freedom Day (2 May), Trans-Europe Express asked journalists from the EURACTIV Network to comment on Reporters Without Borders’ 2017 Press Freedom Index.
The need for fast, accurate and balanced information is always important. We value EURACTIV's good, independent journalism and support this initiative
Mella Frewen, Director General of FoodDrinkEurope
EURACTIV plays a vital role in bringing Europe closer to its citizens. EURACTIV has long recognised that the story of Europe has to be told across the continent, and not just in Brussels. We need to support a truly European and informed debate.
