Letter to EIB denouncing misconduct of Belgrade authorities in the Sava crossing resettlement process, Belgrade
Publication | 2 July, 2010The protest letter, sent by the Regional Centre for Minorities and Bankwatch member group Center for Ecology and Sustainable Development (CEKOR), describes recent incidents of threats and assault on families to be resettled to allow for a road construction. Belgrade authorities have apparently not improved their approach following the poor Gazela resettlement process. The letter calls upon the EIB to demand proper resettlement preparation and planning, including the participation of affected families.
Read moreCan the international financial institutions do more to support new renewables and energy efficiency in south-east Europe?
Publication | 1 July, 2010As Europe is greening its economy and gearing up to decarbonise by 2050, most south-east European (SEE) countries still view energy efficiency and renewable energy as greens on the side of their main dish. Coal power and large hydropower are still the favourites on the menu, as they depend on indigenous resources and keep energy import dependency lower.
Read moreBankwatch policy comments on the European Commission’s stock taking document: Towards a new energy strategy for Europe 2011-2020
Publication | 30 June, 2010Bankwatch’s comments on the European Commission’s DG Energy’s document “Towards a new energy strategy for Europe (TESE)” discusses the priorities for EU public financing we believe should be incorporated into a new energy strategy.
Read moreComments on the EIB’s transport lending policy (updated)
Publication | 30 June, 2010The EIBs transport policy is particularly important considering the importance of transport investments in the EIB’s portfolio, as well as the transport sectors rising CO2 emissions in the EU. Bankwatch’s comments argue for a clear policy orientation towards greenhouse gas reduction in the bank’s transport lending and contrasts the EIB’s current EIB lending figures with its own claims of emphasising climate considerations.
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Sounding the potential of a European budget “for the people and the climate”
Blog entry | 29 June, 2010After six months of preparations and more than 50 interviews with decision makers and experts, Bankwatch has met with representatives from the European Commission, the European Parliament, the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to discuss how the next EU budget for the 2014-2020 period can effectively support a low-carbon economy with benefits for people and nature.
Read moreFunding instruments for energy efficiency and renewable resources – Basis for round table discussion
Publication | 25 June, 2010Bankwatch coordinators in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Latvia and Poland have interviewed energy and financial experts from national ministries and other institutions. This paper is a summary of their findings.
Read moreCounter Balance statement on the Commission proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and the Council granting a EU guarantee to the EIB against losses under loans and guarantees for projects outside the EU
Publication | 9 June, 2010Given an array of evidence (described in this letter) that the EIB is not yet suited for a development role, and taking into account the increased onus within the Decision on development, Counter Balance strongly opposes the recommendations of the Decision that the EIB receives the €2bn optional mandate for a new climate mandate, increase its overall investments, extends the range of financial instruments offered, and undertake concessional lending by mixing EIB money with EU grants.
Read moreBankwatch Mail 45
Publication | 8 June, 2010In this issue: Commission seeking to boost EIB development lending despite failures and lack of details * EU Budget review missing in action * Developments in development lending – what Lisbon means for EIB lending outside Europe * A non-meeting of minds once again at the EIB’s annual meeting * EU Funds: More light equals fewer shades of grey * Fossil farce a cure for Greek tragedy?
Read moreLetter to EIB governors on the occasion of the bank’s 52nd annual meeting
Publication | 27 May, 2010The EIB’s annual meeting remains off limits for NGOs in contrast to the often fruitful discussions allowed with the staff and governing bodies of institutions like the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. This in mind, CEE Bankwatch Network and Counter Balance: Challenging the European Investment Bank have written to the EIB’s governors ahead of their 52nd annual meeting in Luxembourg.
Read moreBankwatch Mail 44
Publication | 12 May, 2010In this issue: EBRD own goal on coal will under-mine clean energy ambitions * Croatia: land of sun, sea and contradictory strategies * Sustainable energy mischief in Ukraine * Mining’s winners and losers on show in new film * Hopes and more fears in Central Asia * More sustainable development pipedreams? BTC shows how not to do Nabucco * Post-conflict aid to Georgia: mission accomplished or fait accompli?
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