Updates on the European Investment Bank

Slovakian dam project is a warning sign for Juncker’s investment drive

The European Parliament will soon be voting on a Scoreboard that will help assess candidate projects to the EUR 21 billion European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI). Stringent economic, social and environmental criteria are a paramount need for ensuring investments that contribute to a more sustainable Europe.

CSOs key points for the forthcoming EIB climate policy

In this letter to EIB, civil society organisations point out that the EIB’s forthcoming climate policy cannot only be limited to repackaging previous climate commitments or solely focusing on technical incremental changes. In the framework of the new EU 2030 climate and energy targets and the forthcoming international climate conference in Paris, ambitious new policy commitments are indispensable to make the EIB credible.

Romanian environmental inspectorate orders closure of two coal plants operating outside EU pollution laws

Last week the Environmental Inspectorate in Hunedoara, Romania demanded the closure of two thermal power plants at Mintia and Paroşeni, because neither of the units complies with air quality requirements of the EU’s Large Combustion Plants Directive (LCPD). Hunedoara Energy Complex, which manages the Mintia and Paroşeni plants, has challenged the decision in court.

European Parliament approves Juncker Investment Plan, lacks guidance and oversight

Today the European Parliament approved the regulation establishing the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) at the heart of President Juncker’s EUR 315 billion investment plan. But critics say that the regulation lacks clear provisions for oversight of the fund and guidance for investments in green, sustainable and resource-efficient projects that are part of the fund’s mandate.

Preliminary comments on the Nenskra Environmental Impact Assessment and its consultation process

Following an on-site visit in the Upper Svaneti region in Georgia, these comments find substantial weaknesses in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Nenskra hydropower plant, in particular with regards to the engagement and consultation of local communities. See also the comments on the final Nenskra EIA report.

Follow-up letter: Stakeholders Workshop on public consultation results of 2nd PCI proposed lists

European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI): Smart, sustainable and inclusive growth – recommendations for the Delegated Act establishing a scoreboard of indicators

Sustainability of European Structural and Investment Funds: Implementation principles and case studies on projects selection criteria for energy, environment and resource use

European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) represent significant investments in the EU’s physical infrastructure and the development of human potential, helping to increase the continent’s economic, social and territorial cohesion, including the environmental integrity of its natural environment. This briefing gives an overview of the legal background and the guiding principles for applying project selection criteria during the implementation phase of EU funds, illustrated by a number of case studies and examples from different countries.

After Slovenia’s Sostanj coal power plant debacle, is any bank going to finance Croatia’s Plomin C?

Slovenia’s newly built Sostanj 6 is expected to generate losses of around EUR 200 million over the next 3-4 years. Given that Croatia’s Plomin C project shares some of Sostanj 6’s features could Croatia be about to repeat its neighbour’s mistakes?

Italian mayor stands up against EU priority gas pipeline

Local opposition against the Trans-Adriatic gas pipeline (TAP) is growing as an Italian mayor made clear in an open letter to the European Commission and European public banks.