Policy Letters
[Policy letter] Letter asking the European Commission's Executive Director in the EBRD to clarify his D1 Motorway Phase One project approval
(August 23, 2010)
On April 27, 2010 at the annual meeting of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Commission’s (EC) Executive Director voted positively regarding the D1 Motorway Phase One project in Slovakia - despite the project's serious shortcomings and an ongoing project screening by the EC (DG Environment) for its compliance with the environmental acquis communautaire.
The letter asks Mr. Lelakis to explain the EC's approach and expresses concern about the lack of consistency within the institution regarding this case.
The letter asks Mr. Lelakis to explain the EC's approach and expresses concern about the lack of consistency within the institution regarding this case.
[Policy letter] Letter requesting the Mayor of Moscow to allow for an unhindered concert-rally "We all live in Khimki Forest!"
(August 19, 2010)
[Policy letter] Letter calling on European Commission not to grant Community Guarantee for Moscow-St.Petersburg motorway through Khimki Forest
(August 4, 2010)
[Policy letter] Letter to EBRD and EIB regarding violent clashes in the Khimki forest connected to the Moscow-St.Petersburg motorway
(July 26, 2010)
On the morning of July 22, members of civil society were attacked by scores of unidentified assailants. The police, called to the scene by the protestors, chose not to interfere. Reports from the ground indicate that clashes continued before the passively observing police eventually arrested local activists.
The attacks on these protestors follow a blockade that was established by the Movement to Defend Khimki Forest in response to the illegal felling of trees in the forest. Estimates are that nearly seven hectares have been destroyed already.
Bankwatch believes that the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development should immediately drop considerations to finance this project, as it is associated with violence and negligence of the local public interest.
More information on our project page for the Moscow - St.Petersburg motorway.
The attacks on these protestors follow a blockade that was established by the Movement to Defend Khimki Forest in response to the illegal felling of trees in the forest. Estimates are that nearly seven hectares have been destroyed already.
Bankwatch believes that the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development should immediately drop considerations to finance this project, as it is associated with violence and negligence of the local public interest.
More information on our project page for the Moscow - St.Petersburg motorway.
[Response] EIB response regarding violent clashes in the Khimki forest connected to the Moscow - St.Petersburg motorway
(August 9, 2010)
[Response] EBRD response letter regarding violent clashes in the Khimki forest connected to the Moscow-St.Petersburg motorway
(July 27, 2010)
[Policy letter] Letter to EIB and EBRD regarding the logging of trees in the protected Khimki Forest
(July 18, 2010)
[Policy letter] Letter to EBRD president Thomas Mirow following up on issues raised during the bank's annual meeting
(June 21, 2010)
[Response] Response from EBRD president Thomas Mirow to Bankwatch's follow up on the bank's annual meeting
(July 12, 2010)
[Policy letter] 'Reforming the budget, changing Europe' - What next? - Open letter to President Barroso
(June 18, 2010)
The open letter, signed by members of the Coalition for Sustainable EU Funds, calls on the President of the European Commission Manuel Barroso to ensure a clear, transparent and participatory EU budget reform process that builds on the outcomes of the 2007-2008 consultation “Reforming the budget, changing Europe”, which delivered an unequivocal request for change.
Stakeholders expressed the clear view that the EU budget must invest in Climate, Energy and Competitiveness as the EU makes the transition to sustainable development. It must be in line with the EU’s long term commitments to fighting climate change and accelerate the EU’s transition to a renewable, resource efficient society in 2050.
Stakeholders expressed the clear view that the EU budget must invest in Climate, Energy and Competitiveness as the EU makes the transition to sustainable development. It must be in line with the EU’s long term commitments to fighting climate change and accelerate the EU’s transition to a renewable, resource efficient society in 2050.
[Policy letter] Letter to EIB governors on the occasion of the bank's 52nd annual meeting
(May 27, 2010)
Civil society efforts to directly engage with the governing bodies of the European Investment Bank around the bank's annual meeting (June 8) have fallen on if not deaf ears then at least ears that remain to be convinced about the merits of having a frank exchange of views.
In the calendar of annual meetings of the international financial institutions, the EIB's annual meeting remains off limits for NGOs in contrast to the often fruitful discussions allowed with the staff and governing bodies of institutions like the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
To mark this year's EIB annual meeting, CEE Bankwatch Network and Counter Balance: Challenging the European Investment Bank have written to the EIB's governors ahead of their 52nd annual meeting in Luxembourg.
In the calendar of annual meetings of the international financial institutions, the EIB's annual meeting remains off limits for NGOs in contrast to the often fruitful discussions allowed with the staff and governing bodies of institutions like the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
To mark this year's EIB annual meeting, CEE Bankwatch Network and Counter Balance: Challenging the European Investment Bank have written to the EIB's governors ahead of their 52nd annual meeting in Luxembourg.
[Response] Response from Austrian EIB Board Director Nitsche to our letter on the occasion of the bank's 52nd annual meeting
(June 29, 2010)
[Policy letter] Letter to EIB on the D1 motorway project outlining developments since the Complaints Office’s Conclusion Report in November 13, 2009
(May 11, 2010)
[Policy letter] Letter to EIB Sustainable Development Unit addressing deficiencies in the Hungarian scoping procedure for the Nabucco gas pipeline's Environmental Impact Assessment
(May 5, 2010)
[Policy letter] Letter to EBRD regarding the Sava river crossing, a new resettlement project in Serbia
(May 4, 2010)
[Policy letter] Letter to EBRD president Thomas Mirow regarding the loan approval for the D1 motorway Phase 1, Slovakia
(April 29, 2010)
[Policy letter] Kazakhstan civil society letter to EIB requesting disclosure of information on the EIB's Framework Agreement with Kazakhstan
(April 20, 2010)
Crude Accountability, Legal Policy Research Centre, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law, Ecological Society Green Salvation, EcoDrom Center for Introduction of New Environmentally Safe Technologies, Karaganda Ecological Museum
[Response] EIB response to request of disclosure of information on the Framework Agreement with Kazakhstan
(May 19, 2010)
[Policy letter] Letter to EIB directors proposing a meeting with civil society organisations
(March 29, 2010)
[Policy letter] Letter to European Commission regarding impacts of the D1 motorway Turany-Hubova
(March 23, 2010)
[Policy letter] Letter to EIB discussing the importance of document disclosure in the bank's working languages
(March 22, 2010)
[Response] EIB response regarding the language of diclosed project documentation
(March 31, 2010)
[Policy letter] Letter to members of the EIB Board of Directors regarding disbursement for the Gazela bridge reconstruction project
(March 3, 2010)
[Policy letter] Letter to EBRD regarding specialist opinion on the impacts of the D1 motorway section Turany-Hubowa
(February 16, 2010)
The letter accompanied a specialist opinion on the impacts of the D1 Turany–Hubová section, detailing that the construction represents a serious impact on the Natura 2000 network and the existing alternative solutions that could considerably reduce this impact. The specialist opinion can be downloaded here (pdf).
[Policy letter] Letter to ArcelorMittal calling for a satisfactory Stakeholder Engagement Plan for ArcelorMittal Temirtau
(February 15, 2010)
[Policy letter] Letter to the EBRD asking for investigation into alleged irregularities regarding the Gazela resettlements
(February 3, 2010)
CEE Bankwatch Network gratefully acknowledges EU funding support.