Monthly National Update: March

As Central and Eastern European countries prepare for the new EU Emissions Trading System (ETS2) and Social Climate Fund (SCF), common challenges and activities are emerging.

Many countries are facing delays in finalizing their Social Climate Plans (SCPs), often due to political factors like elections. In Latvia and Poland, for example, climate plans are being postponed, and Romania’s progress is also on hold because of a temporary government.

The NGOs that are implementing the ClimateFair Monitor project are advocating for fairer use of ETS2 revenues, pushing for the funds to support vulnerable households rather than polluting industries. In Hungary and Slovenia, for instance, environmental groups are calling for an end to fossil fuel subsidies and a focus on energy efficiency and clean transportation.

Despite these delays and challenges, organizations are working together to share ideas and strategies. In Bulgaria, groups are actively monitoring government progress, while in Latvia, a local event on transport poverty will be organised to raise awareness.

At the EU level, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) is supporting advocacy efforts and providing tools to guide national plans, but there are concerns about the slow pace of some countries’ actions.

Overall, while political obstacles remain, civil society is playing a key role in pushing for fair, effective climate action across the region.

Photo: Pexels/Janusz Walczak