The EBRD isn’t working – job creation still not central to investments
Publication | 7 March, 2013Kurt Bayer, until recently Austria’s executive director at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, has for several years maintained an interesting blog covering issues such as the Eurozone crisis and development finance more generally. Following his departure from the EBRD, might we start seeing a few more revealing insights from Mr Bayer about life – and some of its frustrations – at 1 Exchange Square, London?
Read moreEBRD and EIB: Stop financing coal!
Publication | 5 March, 2013The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) are public development banks, which should lend money only for environmentally sustainable projects. Yet in reality, while both banks are increasing their investments into energy efficiency and renewable energy, they are undermining this by financing coal and other fossil fuels. Since both banks are adopting new energy policies in 2013 now is the time to act.
Read more
Constant dripping wears away the stone. Kyrgyz parliament votes to renegotiate Kumtor gold mine contract.
Blog entry | 21 February, 2013Challenging a mining operation that generates about ten percent of GDP in a country and particularly doing so on environmental and social grounds is an intimidating task. But as the example of the Kumtor gold mine in Kyrgyzstan shows, indefatigability and scientific expertise can persuade decision-makers to defend the interests of a country and its people.
Read more
Rio Tinto’s responsibilities in Mongolia extend beyond shareholders
Blog entry | 15 February, 2013New civil society recommendations for the Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia illustrate that much more than the bottom line needs to be considered to avoid development at the expense of local communities.
Read moreNGOs suggest key recommendations for Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold mine project in Mongolia
Publication | 15 February, 2013The letter, signed by 39 organisations, outlines ongoing concerns about the Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold mine in Mongolia, which is currently under consideration for financing by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The project, one of the largest and most complex infrastructure investments proposed by the EBRD, poses a significant environmental and social risk to the local communities, as well as to the country at large.
Read more
Bogus logic in Ukraine: A nature reserve not worth protecting
Blog entry | 13 February, 2013If you thought the purpose of a nature reserve is to protect wildlife from disruptive human interference, then you’re wrong – at least when it comes to nature that’s in the way of electricity infrastructure in Ukraine.
Read more
Anti-coal campaign in Kosovo puts focus on health
Blog entry | 4 February, 2013A campaign against a new lignite power plant in Kosovo uses World Bank figures to highlight the health damage resulting from pollution.
Read more
Kolubara “mired in crime and corruption”
Blog entry | 30 January, 2013Those were the words of Serbian Energy Minister Zorana Mihajlović, speaking last week in a press conference during which she announced that a thorough investigation is ongoing into corrupt practices by the management of the Kolubara mining complex.
Read more
Good news: EBRD drops controversial Monsanto project
Blog entry | 28 January, 2013A potential cooperation between the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the agro-corporation Monsanto has thankfully not come to fruition. The case highlights the difficulties for a large development bank to reach farmers on the ground.
Read more
Off on the wrong foot in Kosovo? A lignite power plant and the EBRD
Blog entry | 25 January, 2013Notwithstanding the dominance of lignite in Kosovo’s energy mix, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development may get involved with yet another lignite project in the Western Balkans.
Read more
