Updates on the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

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.

Photo report inspecting construction on the main pipeline for the Sakhalin II project in the Dolinsky District of the Sakhalin Region

EBRD Independent Recourse Mechanism review – Stakeholder Consultation and Disclosure Plan

Vlora citizens demand a referendum and a yachting harbour instead of an oil terminal and pipeline

The Civic Alliance for the Protection of the Vlora Bay, a local Albanian initiative group, continued on Sunday to press for a referendum on an oil deposit and a thermo-power plant being constructed north of the town of Vlora on Albania’s Adriatic coast.