Updates on the European Investment Bank

Letter to EIB asking for further explanation of ArcelorMittal’s eligibility for EIB funding

The EIB responded to our letter on December 22, 2009. Their response can be downloaded as pdf here.

Letter to EIB regarding the bank’s consideration to finance the Moscow – St. Petersburg motorway PPP

Bankwatch is concerned about the EIB and EBRD’s plans to finance the Moscow – St Petersburg motorway, which threatens the Khimki Forest outside of Moscow. Local people are vigorously campaigning to ensure that the motorway does not destroy their local green area. Here, we ask for some information regarding the EIB’s participation in the project.

Letter to European Commission regarding the EIB’s consideration to finance the Moscow – St. Petersburg motorway PPP

Violations at EBRD power lines project spark clashes between police and villagers in Ukraine

A project financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in the Odessa region of Ukraine has this week been the scene of clashes between 300 police officers and villagers resisting the routing of high voltage power lines through their village. The EUR 25.8 million Odessa High Voltage Grid Upgrade project is being implemented by Ukraine’s national electricity company Ukrenergo in violation of agreements with the EBRD, the international public development bank and backer of the project.

Letter to EBRD urging the bank to control NPC Ukrenergo’s high voltage grid project near Odessa, Ukraine

Tajikistani NGO letter to EIB regarding the energy sector development in Tajikistan

Letter to EIB dealing with human rights abuses by Turkmenistan against environmental activist Andrey Zatoka

As the EIB considers financing the Nabucco Gas Pipeline project, the letter requests the bank to take into account the serious human rights violations occurring in Turkmenistan, as exemplified by Mr. Zatokas case.

Letter to EBRD on human rights abuses by Turkmenistan against environmental activist Andrey Zatoka

As the EBRD reviews its country strategy for Turkmenistan, the letter requests the bank to bear in mind the serious human rights violations occurring in Turkmenistan, as exemplified by Mr. Zatokas case.

Submission for the EIB Transparency Policy consultation – second round

Taking advantage of the second opportunity within the policy revision process, Bankwatch, Counter Balance and the Global Transparency Inititative submitted new commments and recommendations for the EIB’s Transparency Policy.

Letter to EIB regarding a planned loan for ArcelorMittal in Brazil

A new loan of EUR 130 million is now due for Board approval on 15th December for ArcelorMittal’s activities in Brazil. Given the company’s poor environmental record and unsatisfactory implementation of improvement projects financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Bankwatch urges the EIB not to approve this new project.