Updates on the European Investment Bank

CEE Bankwatch Network input for the EBRD transport sector evaluation

CEE Bankwatch Network’s inputs into the EBRDs evaluation of its work in the transport sector – an important sector but one which is the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions. As well as commenting on individual projects Bankwatch is calling on the EBRD to dramatically reduce investments in new motorways, restrict aviation investments to safety measures and air traffic management, and ensure that railway restructuring does not result in disincentives for its use such as higher prices. We are also concerned that the transition indicators used by the EBRD concentrate on

Bankwatch Mail 42

In this issue: Disclosure policy review – A glass of information half full or half empty? * Bank ‘panglosses’ over the facts with new Georgian partnership strategy * EBRD, EIB culpable of policy violations in resettling Belgrade Roma * Heat rising on international public lenders to come clean for the climate * ČEZ chez the EIB – It’s invite only to the black masque energy security fundraiser * IMF’s pro-cyclical brakes pile on the misery across central and eastern Europe * The silence of the scams no more

Bankwatch input to the European Commission’s consultation on a sustainable future for transport

In our consultation input we call for an integrated design of the future transport policy of the EU. The development of the transport sector needs to be placed in a wider context and contribute to the harmonization of conditions between rail, road, waterways as well as air traffic.

Complaint against the EIB regarding maladministration in the Gazela resettlement process

The complaint concerns the European Investment Banks failure to adhere to its own transparency and social standards in the Gazela Bridge Rehabilitation project in the Republic of Serbia. It has been sent simultaneously to the European Ombudsman.

Letter to EBRD regarding Gazela resettlement

Letter to EBRD regarding possible damaging of Khimki forest by the Moscow – St. Petersburg highway

On October 27, 2009 we received EBRD’s response. Download it here.

Letter to EBRD regarding the planned routing of the Moscow – St.Petersburg motorway

A letter to the EBRD regarding the plans to route the Moscow – St.Petersburg motorway through the Khimki Forest Park, a protected natural area and a habitat for elks, boars and other wild animals and a unique wildlife area in the heavily built up Moscow region. The letter poses a number of questions concerning public participation, environmental impact, freedom of speech for those opposing the project, etc. and calls on the EBRD not to finance the project.

Revised EIA study for the Demir Kapija – Smokvica highway

The study can be downloaded in pdf (55 MB) from the webpage dedicated to relevant documents regarding the Demir Kapija-Smokvica highway. The webpage is hosted by the Macedonian government. full text: http://www.vlada.mk/files/doc/studija_zs/EIA_Demir_Kapija_Smokvica_UPDATED_15092009.pdf

Letter to EBRD requesting urgent information on Gazela resettlement

On Monday, August 31st, the community living in the slum under the Gazela bridge was physically resettled. The City of Belgrade claims that a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) was approved, but the resettled PAPs have not seen the RAP and have not been consulted. Bankwatch and CEKOR are asking the EBRD to provide information on the resettlement process and the EBRD’s opinion on further developments. On September 8, 2009 we received EBRD’s response regarding involuntary Gazela resettlement. Download it as pdf here.

Letter to EIB requesting urgent information on Gazela resettlement

On Monday, August 31st, the community living in the slum under the Gazela bridge was physically resettled. The City of Belgrade claims that a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) was approved, but the resettled PAPs have not seen the RAP and have not been consulted. Bankwatch and CEKOR are asking the EIB to provide information on the resettlement process and to not disburse the loan for the Gazela Bridge rehabilitation project until it is assured that a sustainable and adequate solution for those resettled is found.