Search Climate Insights Directory

The report analyzes the role of Ukrainian grassroots initiatives, NGOs, and local self-governments (hromadas) in humanitarian response, arguing that while local actors are more agile and cost-efficient, they face systemic barriers in funding and decision-making. It identifies a critical lack of systematic evidence on the relative cost-effectiveness of locally-led versus internationally-led responses, though it notes that local NGOs in Ukraine deliver programs 15.5% more cost-efficiently due to lower overheads. The document recommends a shift toward equitable partnerships characterized by mutual financial transparency, shared leadership, and the provision of flexible, multi-year 'quality funding' to ensure the sustainability of local responders operating under high insecurity.

The report identifies 27 factors across four themes—EU internal dynamics, expected effects of enlargement, attitudes/norms/perceptions, and external factors—that influence EU accession decisions. It argues that while the process is formally merit-based, EU actors exercise significant discretion, with normative factors dominating early candidacy and economic or political interests predominating during later negotiations. The analysis highlights how these factors varied across the 'Big Bang' (2004), 'Coda' (2007), and Croatia (2013) rounds, and provides forecasts for the 'Trio' of Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia.

The report argues that interconnectors are critical for European energy security, having prevented three major blackouts in the last five years and providing a lifeline to Ukraine and Moldova during Russian aggression. It highlights that 55% of Europe's power system remains at risk due to limited import options, with Spain, Ireland, and Finland being particularly exposed. The document also details the vulnerability of infrastructure to sabotage, citing nine incidents in the Baltic Sea, and calls for accelerated deployment of new capacity and strengthened security measures to protect the grid from hybrid warfare.

Moldova faces a critical parliamentary election on 28 September, characterized by a struggle between the pro-European ruling party PAS and various Russian-allied or populist blocs. While PAS aims for EU integration by 2028, it faces challenges from slow judicial reform and extensive Russian hybrid warfare, including the use of troll farms and disinformation to influence undecided voters. The outcome will determine whether Moldova continues its path toward the EU or shifts back toward Russian influence.

The report details a framework of seven indicators designed to evaluate how well non-Annex I countries communicate climate finance needs and strategies in their NDCs to attract private and international capital. The methodology employs a graduated scoring system from 'absent' to 'strong' to measure the 'investability' of these documents. As of May 31, 2025, the framework was applied to 18 non-Annex I parties, comparing their most recent submissions with previous ones to track progress in financial transparency and planning.

The policy brief examines the energy landscape of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the region's struggle to balance immediate energy affordability with long-term decarbonisation. It identifies new security risks, specifically China's dominance in clean energy supply chains and conflicting policy signals from the US and EU. The author advocates for a technology-neutral approach—integrating nuclear, renewables, and emerging technologies like CCS—and suggests that CEE can become a clean-tech manufacturing hub. Furthermore, it emphasizes the strategic importance of integrating Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans into the EU energy grid to enhance regional resilience.

The document outlines a new energy security framework for Central and Eastern Europe, emphasizing the transition to clean energy to reduce vulnerabilities associated with fossil fuel imports and geopolitical instability. It advocates for the removal of fossil fuel subsidies, the establishment of a grid security framework to counter hybrid warfare, and the expansion of the EU single energy market through harmonized permitting and increased interconnectivity. Additionally, it calls for the EU to adopt an incentive-based investment approach, similar to the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, to maintain global competitiveness and avoid reliance on non-EU financing.

The document outlines a new energy security framework for Central and Eastern Europe, emphasizing the transition from fossil fuel imports to clean energy to mitigate geopolitical risks. It calls for the elimination of fossil fuel subsidies, the creation of a grid security framework to counter hybrid warfare, and the expansion of the EU single energy market through harmonized permitting and increased interconnector investment. Additionally, it advocates for an incentive-based investment approach similar to the US Inflation Reduction Act to maintain European competitiveness and prevent reliance on non-EU financing.

The report examines the integration of finance within National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) across 59 developing countries. It finds that while most NAPs include dedicated finance sections and rely heavily on international public funding, there is a significant gap in detailed costing and the mobilization of private-sector finance. The authors recommend that countries move toward more investment-oriented NAP documents, implement climate-resilient fiscal planning, and adopt tailored financing strategies—particularly for Least Developed Countries (LDCs)—to bridge the adaptation finance gap.

The National Comprehensive Green Transition Assessment Report evaluates Moldova's progress toward a green economy and EU alignment. Based on research conducted between November 2023 and December 2024, the document analyzes policy planning, implementation, and institutional collaboration across sectors including energy, transport, and biodiversity. It aims to identify priority areas for government reform and targeted investments from international development partners to enhance Moldova's energy security and climate resilience.

The report evaluates Moldova's progress toward climate neutrality by 2050, identifying 'Some Progress' in most sectors but 'Little Progress' in zero pollution. Key challenges include heavy reliance on energy imports, outdated building stock, linear waste management, and a significant financing gap, while enablers include EU accession aspirations and international donor support.

The report finds that while a majority of Armenians recognize the impacts of climate change—particularly on health—and support renewable energy, actual personal engagement in environmental activities remains low at 22%. Public trust in environmental action is highest for educational institutions and lowest for the private sector and NGOs. Significant barriers to participation include a lack of time, financial costs, and indifference.

The report finds that while a majority of Moldovans (61%) perceive their understanding of climate change as good or very good, actual engagement in environmental activities is around 57%. Public priorities for environmental protection are led by access to clean water and sanitation and waste management. There is significant concern (65%) regarding dependence on foreign energy sources, with strong support for developing solar and wind power. Educational institutions are viewed as the most important actors in driving environmental action, while corporate sustainability initiatives receive the highest level of public support. Barriers to individual engagement include a lack of time (62%) and financial costs (34%).

The report finds that while a majority of Ukrainians acknowledge the personal impacts of climate change and support renewable energy development, significant barriers such as financial costs and a perceived lack of common practice hinder individual engagement. Public trust in environmental action is highest for volunteers and youth activists, while the central government is viewed as moderately important but less efficient. Energy security is a major concern, with a strong preference for solar and wind power to reduce foreign dependence.

The briefing assesses the energy transition of the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) region, noting that while some countries have reduced gas demand and integrated grids, Russian gas imports rose in 2024 for several members. It warns that planned expansions of LNG and pipeline capacity by 2030 risk creating stranded assets due to declining demand. The author recommends that the 10th Three Seas Summit focus on a 2027 Russian gas phase-out, the creation of a 'Transmission Highway' for clean power, and the development of regional energy hubs.

The report analyzes the integration of human mobility into National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), finding that while 83% of submitted NAPs reference mobility, most lack detailed strategies for sub-national implementation. Through case studies in Costa Rica, Senegal, and Sri Lanka, it identifies gaps in financing, data, and coordination between national and local governments, while proposing a typology of approaches for localizing mobility actions.

The report finds that while most NAPs recognize the importance of ecosystems and include EbA or NbS actions, there is a significant disconnect between climate adaptation planning and national biodiversity strategies. Most countries prioritize ecosystems linked to productive economic sectors, such as forests and fisheries, while urban and mountain ecosystems remain underrepresented.

The document discusses the opportunities and challenges for Moldova as it aligns with the European Green Deal (EGD). It emphasizes that success depends on the leadership of local actors, the integration of green principles into agriculture, energy, and infrastructure, and the delivery of tangible improvements in daily life to secure public support.

The document argues that the OECD's Pillar Two GloBE rules undermine the effectiveness of traditional SEZ fiscal incentives, such as corporate income tax exemptions, by requiring a minimum effective tax rate (ETR) of 15%. It suggests that countries should shift from profit-based incentives to cost-based incentives and non-fiscal improvements to maintain competitiveness without sacrificing tax revenue. The brief also warns of legal risks associated with reforming these incentives due to investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) mechanisms and bilateral investment treaties.

The document argues that the Global Minimum Tax (GMT) reduces the effectiveness of traditional corporate tax incentives in SEZs, such as tax holidays and reduced rates, for large multinational enterprises. It suggests that countries should shift from profit-based tax competition toward improving the overall investment environment and utilizing non-fiscal incentives. The brief also warns of legal risks associated with reforming these incentives, specifically regarding investor-state dispute settlements (ISDS) and stabilization clauses, while recommending that SEZs be leveraged to support the energy transition and renewable energy investment.