Updates on the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

In Moscow, thousands protest destruction of Khimki Forest

In spite of heavy policing, several thousand people yesterday rallied at a concert in Pushkin Square to voice opposition to the destruction of the Khimki Forest to make way for the EUR 1.5 billion first section of the Moscow – St. Petersburg motorway, a project that may receive financial blessings from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European Investment Bank.

Letter requesting the Mayor of Moscow to allow for an unhindered concert-rally “We all live in Khimki Forest!”

Complaint regarding the decision by the EIB to grant ArcelorMittal R&D Facility loan

The complaint was filed by Client Earth and Bankwatch to the EIB complaint office after the EIB signed a loan to steel giant ArcelorMittal that was still under investigation from a previous complaint.

Bankwatch comments on the EBRD draft financial sector strategy

The new draft financial sector strategy of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is of even greater importance during this difficult financial period, but it leaves a number of concerns and open questions unanswered which Bankwatch raises in this document, among others regarding foreign currency lending and lending through financial intermediaries, transition and the role of private equity, gender impacts, tax havens, etc.

Letter to EBRD Chief Economist Erik Berglof regarding the bank’s concept of transition and transition impact

Bankwatch is concerned about a lack of opportunities for public engagement in the process of redefining transition and transition impact at the EBRD. We therefore ask how the bank is planning to proceed with following up on a report prepared for the EBRD on Transition and Transition Impact (pdf) and what opportunities are planned for public consultation on the transition concept.

EIB response regarding violent clashes in the Khimki forest connected to the Moscow – St.Petersburg motorway

Khimki Forest movement leader violently detained in Moscow

Yevgenia Chirikova, the leader of the Movement to Defend Khimki Forest, has today been forcibly detained by police in Moscow immediately after a press conference on the persecution of activists opposing the construction of a motorway through the Khimki Forest just outside Moscow. [1] At the time of writing she has been released after several hours of interrogation, but urged to come to Khimki’s police station tomorrow for another round of questioning.

Letter calling on European Commission not to grant Community Guarantee for Moscow-St.Petersburg motorway through Khimki Forest

EBRD response letter regarding violent clashes in the Khimki forest connected to the Moscow-St.Petersburg motorway

Letter to EBRD and EIB regarding violent clashes in the Khimki forest connected to the Moscow-St.Petersburg motorway

On the morning of July 22, members of civil society were attacked by scores of unidentified assailants. The police, called to the scene by the protestors, chose not to interfere. Reports from the ground indicate that clashes continued before the passively observing police eventually arrested local activists.