Updates on the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

Some ways forward for the EBRD – NGO proposals for the EBRD Capital Resource Review 4

Even before the current economic crisis there were clear signs that the transition to a market economy in central and eastern Europe, which the EBRD is mandated to promote, is coming with a high social price tag attached. The EBRD’s own survey on transition in 2007 – at the height of the boom times – included the alarming finding from 29,000 respondents across the region that trust in society had plummeted since 1989.

Comments by Eco-sense on the EBRD’s draft country strategy for Macedonia

The comments propose a shift in the EBRD’s investment in Macedonia towards more sustainable modes of transport and renewable and energy efficiency projects.

EIB’s conclusion report on Bankwatch’s complaint regarding refused access to information on D1 motorway Slovakia

Bankwatch’s complaint concerned 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. Our complaint is available in pdf here

Green Alternative and Bankwatch comments on the Tbilisi railway bypass project

Letter to ArcelorMittal asking to disclose information under the company’s Stakeholder Engagement Plan

New ban on cyanide mining in Hungary gives hope across the region

A ban on all cyanide-based mining technologies on Hungarian territory that was passed by 356 votes in favour to one vote against in Hungary’s parliament earlier this month has strengthened hopes of other national bans – even a Europe-wide ban – ahead of the tenth anniversary of the Baia Mare disaster next month.

Karaganda Ecological Museum comments on the EBRD’s draft country strategy for Kazakhstan for 2009-2011

KzHRB comments on the EBRD’s draft country strategy for Kazakhstan for 2009-2011

Letter to EBRD regarding legal punishment of human rights activist supporting Kumtor cyanide spill victims

The letter addresses the Kyrgyz Republic’s Supreme Court decision to uphold a 2-year conditional sentence on Ms Baktygul Imankozhoeva, a doctor in the village of Barskoon near the EBRD-financed Kumtor gold mine, for abuse of official position. The charges appear to be fabricated as a response to Ms Imankozhoeva’s advocacy on behalf of the victims of a 1998 cyanide spill from the mine, and form part of a continuing pattern of intimidation against her.

Letter to the European Commission regarding impacts of a proposed D1 motorway section

The letter accompanied an expert study on the expected impacts of the proposed D1 motorway section Turany-Hubov on animal species, biotopes and Natura 2000 sites. The study (in Slovak language) is available at the website of Bankwatch member group Friends of the Earth-CEPA.