Updates on the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

Don’t let facts get in the way of a good EBRD Roma headline

The EBRD’s claims it has helped turn Serbia into a “role model for social inclusion of Roma” ring hollow in light of the plethora of abuses of Romas’ rights in other cases in Serbia.

State guarantee vote for TES 6 overshadowed by OLAF corruption investigation

A state guarantee law supporting the construction of a 600 MW lignite plant at Sostanj in Slovenia (TES 6) was passed this week despite allegations of corruption against the management of the company remaining unsettled. Even more, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) recently opened an official investigation into TES 6. (1)

Bringing EU standards to third countries?

When the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development invest money in our countries, they are often expected to promote good practices in the projects they support.

Greens call for active efforts by European Commission to ensure an improved EBRD mining strategy

The letter by the Green members of the European Parliament calls for active efforts of the EU representative at the European Bank for Reconstructoin and Development to ensure that the bank’s new mining strategy endorses EU principles and standards for resource efficiency, biodiversity protection, poverty eradication, inclusive growth, transparency and public participation in the mining projects the EBRD supports.

MEPs call for responsible new EBRD mining strategy

Brussels – The new mining strategy of the EBRD risks contradicting the EU Resource Efficiency Roadmap and responsible mining principles, argue 22 MEPs in an open letter to European Commissioners which asks the EC to take a more active role in improving the EBRD mining strategy currently under review. (1)

Complaint to EBRD on Rivne – Kyiv High Voltage Line Project seeking project compliance review

Complaint to EBRD on Kolubara lignite mine project

The communities in Vreoci request the EBRD to suspend the loan for the Kolubara lignite mine because of the project company’s failure to meet performance requirements regarding: – community health, safety and security – information disclosure and stakeholder engagement – land acquisition and resettlement – environmental and social appraisal management – pollution prevention and abatement

Comments on EBRD Methodology for Assessment of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Bankwatch’s provided comments on the EBRD’s GHG emissions accounting methodology (pdf) in an effort to improve the carbon footprint of EBRD’s investments. We primarily focus on how baselines are set and the treatment of scope 2 and scope 3 emissions.

World to EBRD: Don’t finance the next Chernobyl

With an EBRD loan decision for Ukraine’s nuclear reactors getting closer, people across Europe are now asking in a petition on Avaaz.org’s community site not to finance Ukraine’s risky nuclear lifetime extensions.

Lonely advocacy at Kolubara lignite mine

On a visit to the Kolubara mining complex in Serbia, Bankwatch staff was denied a meeting with the mining company, because of them caring for the environment.