Updates on the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

Civil Society letter to EBRD Directors regarding a loan for Centerra Gold and related lack of transparency and public consultation

Bankwatch appeal to the EBRD to withhold approval of the South Ukraine Transmission Project

EBRD response regarding scheduled board meeting on the South Ukraine transmission lines project

Bankwatch Mail 46

In this issue: A sustainable EU budget – it’s time to cut the crap * Khimki forest reprieve brings no cessation of underhand tactics * EU funds flows for smart flood prevention can save billions and lives * Rip it up and almost start again – New EU funds priorities for Hungary * EU funds for Latvia’s environment up in smoke * Conference – The private sector turn: Private equity, financial intermediaries and what they mean for development (November 22, London) * EBRD financial sector strategy revision reveals few lessons learned from crisis * Energy and transport failings in the east – a challe

Bankwatch input to EC consultation on an EU initiative on concessions

The European Commission (EC) has recently invited inputs to its consultation on an initiative on concessions that aims to improve the rules for concession contracts in the EU. PPP advocates insist on their cost-effectiveness, timely completion rates and the sharing of financial risk – yet so far the evidence for these claims is decidedly mixed. In our comments we call for a thorough and independent assessment of the performance of PPPs so far and their financial and social impact.

Letter to EBRD directors regarding scheduled board meeting on the South Ukraine transmission lines project

EBRD response regarding Ukrenergo’s implementation of the already approved Rivne Kyiv High Voltage Line Project

Khimki Forest activist arrested for holding banner during picket action

Russian activist Yaroslav Nikitenko was arrested by police on Saturday during a legally permitted picket action in the town of Khimki near Moscow. The action was part of the campaign to change the route of the planned Moscow-St Petersburg motorway so that it avoids the Khimki Forest.

Letter to EBRD regarding Ukrenergo’s implementation of the already approved Rivne Kyiv High Voltage Line Project

Nabucco and Turkmenistan – Our energy security, Turkmens’ misery

This paper examines the less obvious aspects of the Nabucco gas pipeline project – its possible impact on Turkmenistan, a country notorious for its grave human rights situation and the dictatorial tendencies of its political leaders. It also discusses how, with a lack of public oversight over gas revenues in Turkmenistan, the construction of Nabucco may lead to the strengthening of one of the most brutal regimes currently in existence.