The European Union is stepping up its drive to secure energy investments in lower-income countries in the next round of its controversial Global Gateway initiative while continuing to sideline human development projects.
Energy and climate account for 54% of 46 new “flagship” schemes for 2025, involving hydrogen, bauxite, aluminum, forestry, and electric interconnectors, as well as plans to boost renewable energy and sustainable agriculture — an increase from a 44% share this year.
The breakdown of the projects, published by the European Council of member states, reveals a slump in transport projects, down from 23% to 11% of the 46 flagships, while the focus on the digital sector is unchanged at 13%.