In April, the EU formally adopted its Climate and Energy Package, setting binding targets to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by 2020. In addition, the EU strengthened its European Neighbourhood Policy, placing a stronger emphasis on human rights as a central tenet in relations with its eastern and southern neighbours.  

During the year, Bankwatch conducted a fact-finding mission to the Corridor Vc motorway section south of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. And although the route alignment remains unresolved to this day, the fight continues.  

Following a four-year campaign – including petitions and legal action at both Bulgarian and EU levels – Bankwatch and its partners achieved significant changes in Bulgaria’s mining sector. Plans to introduce cyanide leaching at the Chelopech gold and copper mine and at the Krumovgrad gold and silver mine were blocked. As a result, EBRD investments in Dundee Precious Metals were limited to revised, less harmful technologies, leading to an appropriate assessment and the implementation of mitigation measures in Krumovgrad.