A wave of hydropower development fuelled by European public funding and EU companies is endangering pristine river environments in the Balkans, finds a new study by CEE Bankwatch Network released today.

++ 113 hydropower plants projected in national parks ++ Next Sunday, on May 24th, is the “European Day of Parks” – a day to celebrate protected areas in Europe and advertise their values and benefits. However, particularly on the Balkans there is little reason to celebrate. On the contrary, a recent study shows that 535 projects  are currently planned within strict nature conservation areas, 113 of which in the midst of national parks.