Updates on the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

Bankwatch Mail 36

In this issue: Why is the EBRD tacitly backing Ukraine’s nuke-centric, inefficient energy plans? * Football and PPPs do not mix * Renewables continue to get a rough ride in Georgia * Other transitions are out there – but not as the EBRD knows it * Wake up and smell ArcelorMittal – global case studies reveal who picks up the tab for steel giant * PIP squeaks again: no end in sight to info disclosure constipation at the EBRD

EBRD response to a letter regarding its involvement in Phase 2 of the Chelopech mining project

Dear Mr Popov Chelopech Mining project – phase 2 Thank you for your letter of 2 May, 2008 in which you share with us your concerns about Chelopech Mining Project (copy attached for reference).

Dead workers, stinking pollution and forced evictions: New report highlights ArcelorMittal’s global trail of destruction

A newly-formed coalition of environmental and community groups [1] – Global Action on ArcelorMittal – today released a report showing how local residents and workers around the world pay the price of ArcelorMittal’s success.

In the wake of ArcelorMittal – the global steel giant’s local impacts

The publication shows how local residents, workers and the environment pay the price for ArcelorMittal’s success. The compilation contains case studies examining Mittal’s IFC- and EBRD-financed plants in Romania, Ukraine, Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Czech Republic and Kazakhstan.

Comments on the EBRD draft Public Information Policy

Bankwatch Mail 35

In this issue: Bottom line additionality in Kazakhstan as more miners die * Campaign successes amidst the Black Weeks * New map of projects points the way to environmental and social justice in CEE * Feeding the Asian Tigers: Lack of environmental teeth in ADB’s energy strategy * Counter Balance: Challenging the European Investment Bank * European Parliament looks for more added value from the EIB * Energy Matters: new Bankwatch report and film explore big industry developments in Albania * Going nuclear: the EIB’s waiting game continues * EBRD crackdown on “open markets” in Ukraine * They’ll

Comments on the EBRD draft environmental and social policy and performance requirements

Three activists released pending trial for protesting against controversial oil terminal construction in Vlora

The district court in Vlora, Albania last week released three members of the Civic Alliance for the Protection of Vlora Bay [1] who were arrested and detained for two weeks after protesting against the construction of a hydrocarbons terminal in Vlora. The terminal, regarded by the protestors as bringing few benefits to the local economy in exchange for high environmental risks, is being built by the Italian investor La Petrolifera Italo Rumena. The project is currently seeking a EUR 15 million credit from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Letter to Varel Freeman, First vice president of banking sector in EBRD

Dear Mr. Freeman, Very recently I have learned that you are planning to visit my country, Macedonia, to discuss energy projects.

Energy Matters: the Vlora coastal terminal. Fact-finding mission report on energy and industry developments in Vlora, Albania

The report summerises the findings of a recent Bankwatch and partner NGO fact-finding mission to Albania, in which meetings with the Albanian authorities, IFIs, investors and affected communities provided insights into large industrial and energy developments in the region.