Updates on the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

Local resistance to nightmare Albanian energy development scenario remains defiant, protestors demand a referendum

3000 citizens from the city of Vlora in Albania held a large protest rally this weekend at the coastal site that has been designated as the construction site for an oil and gas terminal and a thermo power plant. The protestors called on national institutions to respect their right to a local referendum on the constructions. They also urged the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) not to provide finance for projects that do not respect local public rights to participate in decision making and that will have strong negative impacts in the very sensitive area of Vlora Bay. [1]

Briefing paper about the ‘Gazela’ resettlement process

An appeal to the president of BNP Paribas bank – the leading funder of the oil drilling in the North Caspean Sea

The Caspian Sea with its fragile ecosystem is endangered by the newly developing offshore oil drilling on its north waters. Both the environment and the public health are put at risk due to the high concentration of toxic pollutants including gases in Kashagan oil. By financing that project BNP Paribas undermines the positive outcomes of pouring money into renewable energy sources as their stated commitment to combating climate change.

Letter to EIB regarding Zagreb municipal solid waste incinerator project on EIB’s webpage

The letter comes after information on EIB web site that the bank might still be interested in financing the Zagreb incinerator project.

Letter to EIB regarding Zagreb municipal solid waste incinerator project on EIB’s webpage

Reply from the EIB regarding concerns on the Zagreb Incinerator project dated November 3, 2008 states that the bank has not been yet asked to consider financing the project. Download the response as pdf here.

Letter from UK ECGD regarding a freedom of information request on the BTC pipeline

Environmental Assessment Study for Porto Romano thermo power plant, Albania

This study commissioned by the Italian energy company Enel has been heavily criticised for several shortcomings, including the studys failure to: consider alternative energy scenarios to coal power; analyse properly the carbon dioxide emissions; assess the socio-economic impacts of the project and provide for management and monitoring plans.

Regional conflict and the BTC pipeline: concerns of the ECDG’s due dilligence

First complaint to Supreme Administrative Court regarding Chelopech mine

Force Majeure event at the BTC pipeline in Turkey