In Latvia, people-led building restoration receives the largest-ever EU funding of its kind
July 19, 2018
A grant from the state-owned development financial institution ALTUM for multi-apartment residential building renovations in Salaspils, Latvia, is a success story about active residents and the support of their local municipality, which sets an important precedent for public mobilisation and participation.
Ombudsman calls for greater transparency of export credit agencies
July 9, 2018
The European Ombudsman has sided with the civil society demanding the European Commission to improve its oversight of the EU Export Credit Agencies (ECAs). The decision upholds an earlier ruling that required the Commission to ensure better compliance of these financial institutions with the EU law.
Position on the Multiannual Financial Framework
July 9, 2018
For nearly three decades, the EU Budget, and especially sectoral instruments such as the Cohesion Policy, has been a proven catalyst in the fight against climate change and the transition to a low-carbon energy system. By providing public investments i
The cost of turning a blind eye: EIB lending to Israel’s ICL
June 18, 2018
The toxic wastewater spill from the Rotem Amfert plant that caused a severe environmental disaster in Ashalim Stream, Israel, in late June 2017 joins a long list of pollution events the company has been responsible for through the years. In fact, even
With EU funds in Romania, where there is a will, there is a way
June 18, 2018
This story represents one of the few successful examples in Romania but should serve as an inspiration for all the mayors and representatives of the Romanian authorities. Nobody says it’s going to be a smooth sailing when dealing with accessing European funds, but it is important to have well-prepared personnel, a vision for sustainable development and last, but not least, a desire to make positive changes in your community.
At 60, EU public bank needs fundamental reform – civil society groups
June 18, 2018
The European Investment Bank (EIB) needs to end its investment in fossil fuels and boost support for sustainable energy, reinforce its public accountability, and prioritise human rights, a group of 21 European NGOs write in a letter to EU finance ministers.
Commission rules for spending 300 billion euros in Cohesion funds misses opportunity to push for protections to climate and the rule of law
May 29, 2018
Brussels, Prague – The European Commission has missed the opportunity to set a course that addresses climate change and establishes a strong framework for ensuring Member States’ respect for the rule of law, as it seeks to leverage the EU budget after 2020 to bring states in line with EU priorities.
Post 2020 EU budget: Commission proposal promises sustainability but continues funding contradictory policies
May 2, 2018
Budapest, Brussels, Prague – Today the European Commission published its proposal for the next EU budget after 2020, the Multiannual Financial Framework. Civil society organisations within the People’s Budget campaign [1] call on Member States to translate the Commission’s pitch into the bold proposal that Europe needs for a brighter future.
Project funding could be cut as EU battles to balance books
May 1, 2018
Discovering the Belgian capital by river cruise – many tourists do it each year. A new terminal has been inaugurated at the port of Brussels, designed to handle 35,000 passengers by 2030 and generate an annual turnover of five million euros. Half of th
Tightening EBRD policies to counter Ukrainian agro giant
April 24, 2018
Myronivsky Hliboproduct PJSC (MHP), the Ukrainian agribusiness conglomerate owned by one of the country’s richest men, has been getting away with disregard for national regulations, EU law and the EBRD’s performance standards. Bankwatch is calling for the EBRD to strengthen human rights due diligence, as it revises its safeguard policies, to prevent MHP and others from misusing public funds.
