Notion on the EU Critical Raw Materials Act: Resource Extraction to serve EU interests? Published: 9 April 2024 comment But why should citizens even care about one more out of dozens of EU strategies? By Ines Kusmenko
Southeast Europe: Plundering the Western Balkans Published: 23 January 2024 Analysis Corrupt politicians have been systematically plundering public budgets and natural resources in the Western Balkans for years. Increasingly, international actors are also discovering an El Dorado for dubious investments in these countries. By Marion Kraske
The Energy Crisis in North Macedonia Published: 8 December 2021 Introducing additional air pollution measures, having environmental activists in the local councils, banning of production and selling of plastic bags nationwide, are victories to the battles fought over the years. Even if they come in a period of an ongoing energy crisis, when rightfully so the question is now posed of how really successful the energy transition is. Reactions remain divided on what should be a priority now. As the new mayors take over the leadership in the biggest cities, including Skopje, Tetovo, Bitola and Ohrid, among other, the air pollution picked up again towards the end of the month of November, especially in Tetovo and Skopje. By Srgjan Vidoeski
Understanding the link between socioeconomic and environmental challenges in BiH Published: 24 March 2021 The case of Zenica is a dramatic illustration of the consequences of the inability and unwillingness to respond to environmental concerns on the part of authorities, both domestic and international. By Daniela Lai
Rusting promises and a judicial marathon Published: 2 February 2021 According to the data of the Hydrometeorological Institute of the Federation of BiH, Zenica in 2019 had the most polluted air in the Federation of B&H, and high concentrations of sulfur dioxide and dust were particularly pronounced. The metallurgical factory is the dominant source of SO2 and dust emissions in Zenica. The struggle of the activists of the association Eco Forum to improve the air quality in Zenica has been going on for twelve years. By Samir Lemeš
Great interests of small people Published: 16 December 2020 At that time, in May 2006, a renowned architect from Sarajevo Lidumil Braco Alikalfić published a significant text – an expert analysis – on the shortcomings identified by that moment and the “tragedy” that was unfolding primarily in Igman and Bjelašnica in terms of the natural degradation and lack of awareness of this issue, the wrong orientation towards “cementing” the mountains in favour of apartments, hotels and parking lots. By Zlatko Dizdarević
Open letter Published: 27 January 2020 open letter from the undersigned civil society organizations and individuals from Bosnia and Herzegovina conveying an appeal to use your authority and point out to the relevant institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina the necessity of their urgent actions in order to preserve the health of the citizens during the episodes of deadly air pollution levels.
“It’s not about money. It’s about political will.” Published: 2 April 2019 Interview In an interview with Vlado Babić, former undersecretary of the Department for Environmental Protection at the City of Ljubljana, we spoke about the project “Ljubljana. For you.”, an initiative including the promotion of a green and sustainable Ljubljana for all citizens. In 2016, the city was awarded as European Green capital by the European Commission, the first city in Southeastern Europe to receive this price. The recognition enabled Ljubljana to become one of many sustainable cities worldwide.
“Fridays for future” Published: 22 March 2019 Report March 15, 2019 marked a highlight for the “Fridays for future” movement. Over 200 parallel protests advocating for climate action were held worldwide. In Sarajevo, about twenty young people gathered in the Baščaršija to demand environmental protection from their government.
Fighting Air Pollution: Mexico and China Show How to Do It Published: 30 January 2019 Cities in China, India and Mexico are still among the most polluted in the world. In recent years, however, concrete measures have been taken in all three countries to combat air pollution. The population in these countries has become more aware of air pollution and the issue is now also on the political agenda. On the other hand, the countries of the Western Balkans continue to invest in polluting coal-fired power plants, ignoring the deadly consequences for the population.
