Chapter 27

The success of the energy transition in the Western Balkans and Ukraine is a question of political will in those countries. But the EU can help set up the conditions for a successful modernization, writes Robert Sperfeld.

Compared to COP21 where the EU had a decisive bridge-building role between developed and developing countries in leading a strong climate coalition, in Marrakesh Europe appeared silent and divided. Despite the urgency for concrete and immediate actions to bend the curve and win the race against the clock, the negotiations in Marrakesh seemed to be moving in a parallel universe.

It is unrealistic to expect that several public servants have superhuman abilities and capacities to every now and then, deliver visionary documents which should guide us in a completely new direction in a completely novel way. Including stakeholders in the process of public policy development is a key tool for enhancing transparency, quality and effectiveness of policies. 

Improving energy efficiency of wood burning stoves could not only significantly contribute to improving comfort and health but also to significant savings which could cumulatively exceed one hundred million Euros annually. This money could be spent on something else, thus creating much needed demand for goods and services which is the only way to sustainably increase employment. 

How did two engineers, with the help of a local self-government, start from scratch and made a well-rounded system which cares for the public spending on energy; how much did they save in their municipality and the problems they faced. 

Kosovo cannot absorb additional lignite-exploitation without fundamentally endangering its living environment. EU perspective of Kosovo dictates climate and energy policy framework and direction that is to a large extent incompatible with the current developments

Coalition 27 report on progress of Serbia in Chapter 27 - Environment and Climate Change, for 2015

Contribution of Coalition 27 to Serbia 2014 Progress Report, Overview of Chapter 27: Environment and Climate Change.   Coalition 27 consists of: Belgrade Open School, CEKOR, Environment Improvement Centre, GM Optimist, NGO Fractal, WWF Serbia, and Young Researchers of Serbia . The Report was written with the support of Climate Action Network Europe and Heinrich Boell Foundation Southeastern Europe.