New EU states’ funding plans "neglect" climate

The EU’s newest member states have been accused by green activists of "neglecting" projects aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions in their applications for EU structural funds for the period 2007-2013.  According to draft plans, CEE bankwatch claims, only around two per cent of funds in the eastern region would be spent in areas like energy efficiency, while billions would go to transport infrastructures.  EU guidelines adopted in October picked out sustainable energy as one of twelve recommended areas for investment.  See CEE bankwatch press release.