Updates on the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

Letter to EIB and EBRD regarding the logging of trees in the protected Khimki Forest

Conclusion Report by EIB Complaints Office on Bankwatch’s complaint regarding Gazela bridge rehabilitation project Belgrade, Serbia

The report confirms Bankwatchs allegations that EIB did not pay sufficient attention during the project assessment: the severe social impact of the project should have led the EIBs competent services to exercise a cautious and targeted social assessment with a view to pro-actively identifying (and therefore promptly addressing) the major social concerns during the appraisal of the projects, while EIB documents do not contain any documental evidence of an appropriate identification of the social issues at stake.

Groups blast veiled decision-making at European Commission as mining industry revels in rejection of crucial Parliamentary resolution

Environmental organisations have today criticised Commissioner Janez Potocnik for heeding mining industry lobbyists over a democratically elected European Parliament, in failing to open public discussions and rejecting a resolution to ban the use of cyanide in mining processes throughout the European Union.

Can the international financial institutions do more to support new renewables and energy efficiency in south-east Europe?

As Europe is greening its economy and gearing up to decarbonise by 2050, most south-east European (SEE) countries still view energy efficiency and renewable energy as greens on the side of their main dish. Coal power and large hydropower are still the favourites on the menu, as they depend on indigenous resources and keep energy import dependency lower.

Bankwatch policy comments on the European Commission’s stock taking document: Towards a new energy strategy for Europe 2011-2020

Bankwatch’s comments on the European Commission’s DG Energy’s document “Towards a new energy strategy for Europe (TESE)” discusses the priorities for EU public financing we believe should be incorporated into a new energy strategy.

Sounding the potential of a European budget “for the people and the climate”

After six months of preparations and more than 50 interviews with decision makers and experts, Bankwatch has met with representatives from the European Commission, the European Parliament, the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to discuss how the next EU budget for the 2014-2020 period can effectively support a low-carbon economy with benefits for people and nature.

Funding instruments for energy efficiency and renewable resources – Basis for round table discussion

Bankwatch coordinators in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Latvia and Poland have interviewed energy and financial experts from national ministries and other institutions. This paper is a summary of their findings.

Letter to EBRD president Thomas Mirow following up on issues raised during the bank’s annual meeting

President Thomas Mirow responded to our letter on July 12, 2010. His response can be downloaded as pdf.

Bankwatch Mail 45

In this issue: Commission seeking to boost EIB development lending despite failures and lack of details * EU Budget review missing in action * Developments in development lending – what Lisbon means for EIB lending outside Europe * A non-meeting of minds once again at the EIB’s annual meeting * EU Funds: More light equals fewer shades of grey * Fossil farce a cure for Greek tragedy?

Complaint on D1 motorway Phase I, Slovak Republic seeking project compliance review

We are particularly concerned about the inadequate appraisal of environmental risks connected with the Turany – Hubova section of the D1 motorway in Slovakia, the damage so far and further potential impacts on the Natura 2000 sites and habitats of Community importance. We are convinced that the underestimation of environmental risks has led to insufficient mitigation measures resulting in a recent damage to a nature reserve by preparatory construction works.