In January, during a meeting in Kaunas, Lithuania, the idea was proposed that Bankwatch should become an independent entity, rather than continue being hosted by Friends of the Earth Poland. 

In April, at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Annual Meeting in Sofia, Bankwatch made its first prominent appearance as a player at an international banking conference. The event also marked the first face-to-face meeting between Bankwatch and the EBRD President. 

Later in the year, the EBRD adopted its Environmental Procedures, which established key measures such as environmental appraisals for all projects along with principles for public consultations. Bankwatch also became actively involved in the EBRD’s controversial K2–R4 project aimed at constructing two nuclear reactors in Ukraine. 

In June, we held a meeting in the Polish village of Osieczany – a gathering that played a key role in shifting Bankwatch’s strategic focus. Initially centred on transport projects, the network began to prioritise energy issues. 

September marked the first face-to-face meeting with the Vice-President of the European Investment Bank (EIB) in Luxembourg. That same month, the first Bankwatch email list was also created.