Policy comments: EBRD’s Sustainable Energy Initiative 3
Publication | 28 November, 2011In recent years, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has paid increased attention to sustainable energy issues, enegry efficiency in particular. At the same time, the bank’s Sustainable Energy Initiative (SEI) criteria need to be strengthened in line with climate science and EU policy.
Read moreNGOs condemn EBRD financing of biodiversity destruction in Croatia
Press release | 23 November, 2011Zagreb — Croatian environmental organisations Zelena akcija/Friends of the Earth Croatia, the Croatian Biospeleological Society, Transparency International Hrvatska, Srđ je naš, Baobab, Eko Zeleno Sunce, Brodsko ekološko društvo-BED, Center for Environment (B&H), Eko-Zadar, WWF MedPO and regional organisation CEE Bankwatch Network have described as “extremely irresponsible” the approval yesterday by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development of a EUR 123 million loan for the construction of the Ombla underground hydropower plant near Dubrovnik. [1]
Read moreEuropean public banks must disengage with Egypt’s military junta
Press release | 22 November, 2011In light of the violence against civilians on the streets of Egypt today, CEE Bankwatch Network is requesting that the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development immediately cease discussions and negotiations with the Egyptian government and authorities on all levels about potential financial involvement in the country until the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) cedes power to civilian leaders, the country has a legitimately-elected civilian government in control of the army, and military trials come to an end.
Read moreKhudoni hydropower plant – a risky deal
Publication | 21 November, 2011The proposed Khudoni hydro power plant poses the risk of an ecological disaster in one of the most amazing highland regions of Georgia. Additionally, the economic justification of the project is doubtful because the contract with the completely unknown, offshore Virgin Islands registered Georgian-Indian Company Transelectrica Ltd, is based on the BOO (Build-Own-Operate) principle that does not promise any significant income for the Georgian budget.
Read moreEBRD support for Kolubara paving the “ash way” for development of Serbia
Publication | 21 November, 2011Linked to a slew of controversies, the Kolubara lignite mining project in Serbia is in line for support from European public banks. Corruption allegations, pollution at local level, irregularities in resettlement of local populations and not to forget a climate damaging approach to energy investments should be reason enough to find alternative options. An updated version of this briefing is available here (May 12, 2012).
Read moreSostanj power plant in Slovenia: Against EU laws and policies
Publication | 21 November, 2011The project is a plan to construct a sixth unit at the Sostanj lignite-fired power plant in Slovenia. It has received significant backing from European public banks adding up to more than 50% of the overall costs of the investment. Doubts about the economic viability of the project, alleged irregularities in the tendering procedure and its climate impact caused strong opposition to the project within Slovenia. A recent study conducted by an independent consultant as well as two complaints submitted to the European Commission by NGOs bring new arguments against TES 6.
Read moreOfficial complaint to EBRD: Ombla hydropower project, Croatia
Publication | 17 November, 2011More information on the project is available here.
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The people’s perspective please: are public social safety nets important?
Blog entry | 16 November, 2011Yesterday, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) published its Transition Report for 2011, subtitled “The People’s Perspective”. This is because the study pays unprecedented attention to how regular households in post-socialist countries are managing after almost three years of economic crisis.
Read moreLetter to EBRD re complaints against Sostanj power plant project
Publication | 16 November, 2011The letter notifies the EBRD of two complaints filed against the Sostanj lignite thermal power plant unit 6 project and calls on the EBRD to also undertake a thorough review of its involvement in the project, as it seems that when approving the project, some relevant facts were omitted by the bank.
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An EBRD interpretation of biodiversity protection in the western Balkans
Blog entry | 14 November, 2011With potentially devastating impacts on natural habitats, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has so far offered no real commitment to environmental protection in its ambiguous decisions on two hydropower plants in Croatia and Macedonia.
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