EBRD Annual Meeting 2019

Empowering communities to be heard. Protecting whistleblowers and pushing back against the threat of violence, intimidation and attacks on free speech and assembly. Preserving the environment.

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Transition

A phase out from fossil fuels is inevitable in all countries where the EBRD operates, and the bank should be listen, support, and then follow through with investments to realise this vision.

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Nenskra,
Georgia

Given the complexity of the Nenskra project and its immense impact on indigenous Svan communities and the country’s fiscal stability, the EBRD should take responsibility and not provide financial support until the project is properly assessed.

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EPS/Kostolac,
Serbia

“Restructuring” EPS is more about perpetuating non-compliance, building new coal units and expanding lignite mines. Read Bankwatch’s request to the EBRD concerning the outcomes of the EPS compliance review.

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Krapska Reka,
N. Macedonia

The case shows the importance of consulting all stakeholders before a loan contract is signed – even for Category B projects, as they may have equally destructive impacts on the environment, biodiversity and local communities.

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Hydropower,
the Balkans

The cautious approach to hydropower in the Balkans should be applied to other regions that also struggle to implement the EBRD and EU standards. The EBRD should protect the pristine ecological status of rivers and the rights of communities.

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Kheledula,
Georgia

Failing to acknowledge the Lower Svaneti Lalkhor, the violations to Georgian legislation and the bank’s own policies will deteriorate the livelihoods of the indigenous Svans and the potential for alternative development and tourism in the villages.

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Namakhvani,
Georgia

The EBRD should ensure the close examination of the project and its documents before it officially enters into pipeline, as it is likely to have a considerable effect on local communities and biodiversity.

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LATEST UPDATES

The EBRD’s new gender strategy risks falling short at a critical moment

Blog entry | 12 May, 2026

At a time when gender equality is under mounting pressure globally, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is preparing to adopt its new Gender Equality and Human Capital Strategy (2026–2030). The stakes could not be higher. Progress on gender equality and inclusion is not only stalling across the EBRD’s regions, it is actually reversing. Given the EBRD’s democracy mandate and its advanced experience in promoting gender equality, it is crucial for the Bank to adopt a robust strategy.

Joint civil society statement on the draft EBRD Gender Equality and Human Capital Strategy

Publication | 27 April, 2026

Twenty-eight civil society organisations have issued a joint statement calling on the EBRD to strengthen its strategy. They urge the Bank to adopt a more ambitious, rights-based approach that tackles backlash and addresses structural inequalities to ensure inclusive and accountable development outcomes.

Bankwatch comments on the EBRD’s draft 2026–2030 Gender Equality and Human Capital Strategy

Publication | 13 April, 2026

In its policy comments, the CEE Bankwatch Network explains that, given the stagnation or even reversal of global progress in this area, the Strategy must be more ambitious and effective. The EBRD must strengthen implementation, targets and accountability in order to translate its commitments into tangible, inclusive outcomes for women and underserved groups.