Whether in Europe or beyond, public money must not become an auxiliary for human rights violations or the marginalisation of affected communities.
We expose cases where development banks fail to protect those impacted by their projects.
We advocate for participation and consultation processes that are not pro-forma exercises, but a tool to ensure people’s well-being.
We run a helpdesk where activists and communities can get advice on how to challenge controversial projects being considered for funding by development banks.
Close to frontline communities
We’re in direct contact with affected communities and provide updates from their struggles.
Image (c) Rosa Vroom
IN FOCUS
The Reconstruction of Ukraine
The scale of destruction caused by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has been staggering. To repair the damage, joint efforts to coordinate donations and properly plan Ukraine’s reconstruction must start as soon as possible.
A successful reconstruction of Ukraine cannot happen without involvement of the Ukrainian people. That’s why we’re calling on international donors to ensure that the financial structures to help impacted communities are put in place and that civil society groups have a say in this process.
We believe that Ukraine and the international community have a unique opportunity to modernise the country while addressing people’s needs and long-term sustainability.
Amulsar gold mine, Armenia
The controversial Amulsar gold mine near the touristic spa town of Jermuk was supported by the EBRD equity investments, but blocked by locals after the velvet revolution in 2018. In spite of a number of legal threats and intimidation by the company, the blockade continued till the eruption of military conflict overNagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) at the end of 2020.
Myronivsky Hliboproduct (MHP), Ukraine
The leading Ukrainian agribusiness giant has been enjoying generous support in public funds and national subsidies. With over half a billion euros from the EBRD, EIB and the IFC, Myronivsky Hliboproduct PJSC (MHP) has grown into a near monopolist in poultry production. While MHP’s vertically integrated model has contributed to its status as a leading Ukrainian agribusiness, the scale and nature of its business have also contributed to mounting concerns about its social and environmental impacts. These concerns are compounded by patterns of poor community consultation and a lack of information provided about MHP’s operations, leaving project-affected people guessing about the true impacts of its operations.
Corridor Vc motorway, Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Bosnian section of the international Corridor Vc is planned to run for 330 km through Bosnia and Herzegovina. Concerns about environmental impacts and threats to cultural heritage were raised by local people and cultural figures. The public discussions about the project have led to a series of scandals and a deadlock of the motorway’s development.
Our past projects
Latest news
Global civil society coalition demands G7 leaders to prioritise support for Ukraine at upcoming meeting
Press release | 16 April, 2024As the 2024 G7 Foreign Affairs Ministerial approaches on April 17-19 in Capri, Italy, a coalition of leading organisations is calling on G7 nations to demonstrate unwavering support for Ukraine by taking concrete actions to address the country’s critical energy issues.
Read moreNew report: EU must act to prevent needless environmental and social damage by Corridor Vc motorway in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Press release | 5 April, 2024The European Commission and EU public banks must press for a revision of the Corridor Vc motorway route near Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) if excessive environmental and social harm is to be avoided, finds a CEE Bankwatch Network report published today. (1)
Read moreMostar locals continue to resist Corridor Vc routing amid new tunnel loan talks
Press release | 19 March, 2024On 11-13 March a Bankwatch team visited Mostar and the nearby villages of Kosor, Ortiješ and Malo Polje. The team met with more than 25 landowners from the three villages, visited vineyards in Ortiješ, nearby construction sites on the Corridor Vc, and the Podveležje ridge. They discussed with local people the developments in the valley, ongoing legal action and the results of complaints at the EBRD’s accountability mechanism.
Read moreRelated publications
International financial support for Ukraine’s recovery
Study | 28 March, 2024 | Download PDFIn the third part of the research series ‘On the reconstruction front line: Ukrainian municipalities and the funding landscape’, we examine the support for Ukraine’s reconstruction which is being provided by international partners, financial institutions, and dedicated funds. This last section evaluates the availability of international financial support for municipalities.
Ukrainian municipalities: Accessing domestic and international financial resources for reconstruction efforts at the national level
Study | 28 March, 2024 | Download PDFIn the second part of the research series ‘On the reconstruction front line: Ukrainian municipalities and the funding landscape’, we identify opportunities for utilising state funds and other forms of state support to meet the recovery needs of municipalities.
Joint open letter to the Ukraine Facility trialogue negotiators
Advocacy letter | 23 January, 2024 | Download PDFAhead of the political decision to adopt the Ukraine Facility Regulation, a broad coalition of civil society organisations reached out to the trialogue negotiators to advocate for an inclusive and environmentally sound Ukraine Facility that ensures the country’s sustainable recovery.