Updates on the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

Comments to the EBRD Gender Action Plan – by Charita Jashi, Gender for Social-Economic Development Association, Georgia

Comments to the EBRD Gender Action Plan – by Ruzica Rudic Vranic, Femina Creativa, Serbia

Letter to ArcelorMittal – Stop sacrificing miners in Kazakhstan

Global Action on ArcelorMittal is appalled by the recent accident in ArcelorMittal owned Tentekskaya, mines in the Karaganda region of central Kazakhstan. Five miners are feared dead following an accident on the early morning of June 2, 2008 following a cave-in and methane leak. This is the second accident in the companys Kazakh mines this year, after 30 miners were killed in a mine explosion in January. Our sincere sympathies are extended to the families of the miners who have lost their lives.

Presentation of Porto Romano Rapid Environmental Assessment

Official presentation on the Rapid Environmental Assessment for the industrial and energy park, Porto Romano, Albania.

Green Action follow-up letter with the Croatian Ministry of Environment

On July 24, 2008 Croatian Ministry of Environment responded to above letter. Download the response as pdf here.

Bankwatch Mail 37

In this issue: EU billions must help to reduce waste, not boost it * European Investment Bank urged to stop fueling the incineration fire * Zero waste, zero pain * The EIB undermines Africa * Strange bedfellows: the EIB’s huge fossil fuels portfolio is smothering clean energy initiatives * A deluge of public subsidies for Ethiopian dam projects, but public benefits missing * Public consultation on EIB environmental policy at last, but problems persist * Czech roads paved with whose gold exactly?

Sakhalin II fact-finding mission photo report

Follow-up letter to the EBRD regarding the Bautino Atash Marine and Supply Base project in Kazakshtan

Rapid Environmental Assessment for the Industrial and Energetic Park’s at Porto Romano, Durres, Albania

Kaniv Pumped Storage Plant, Ukraine

The EBRD continues to assert the need to increase power efficiency and to develop renewable energy sources. This is why NECU are not entirely clear about the apparent readiness of the EBRD to support a project which has so many weak points and is an integral part of the national strategy that includes measures which have been criticised by the EBRDs experts. The EBRD should be making efforts to help the Ukrainian government develop a power strategy which is much more effective. It should also support projects that aim to increase energy efficiency and the independence of the Ukrainian economy.