Updates on the European Investment Bank

Follow up letter to DG Regional policy regarding controversial transport projects – Prague ring road (R1) and Katowice-Vienna TENT connection in South Moravia (R52 / R55 motorways)

This letter highlights problems with two controversial transport projects, the Prague Ring Road and Katowice – Vienna connection proposed under the TEN-T program. Specifically in the case of the Prague Ring Road, these issues include nuclear safety regulations, inappropriate traffic mitigation measures and changes to the land use plan. Problematic issues with the Katowice – Vienna connection include environmental and transport efficiency concerns.

Local resistance to nightmare Albanian energy development scenario remains defiant, protestors demand a referendum

3000 citizens from the city of Vlora in Albania held a large protest rally this weekend at the coastal site that has been designated as the construction site for an oil and gas terminal and a thermo power plant. The protestors called on national institutions to respect their right to a local referendum on the constructions. They also urged the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) not to provide finance for projects that do not respect local public rights to participate in decision making and that will have strong negative impacts in the very sensitive area of Vlora Bay. [1]

Briefing paper about the ‘Gazela’ resettlement process

Letter to the EIB regarding consultations on its Lending Policy for municipal waste

On March 17, 2009 the EIB responded to our letter. Download the response in Microsoft Word format here.

Letter to EIB regarding Zagreb municipal solid waste incinerator project on EIB’s webpage

The letter comes after information on EIB web site that the bank might still be interested in financing the Zagreb incinerator project.

Letter to EIB regarding Zagreb municipal solid waste incinerator project on EIB’s webpage

Reply from the EIB regarding concerns on the Zagreb Incinerator project dated November 3, 2008 states that the bank has not been yet asked to consider financing the project. Download the response as pdf here.

Letter to the EIB regarding the social and environmental impacts of financing for sections of the D1 motorway in Slovakia

Environmental Assessment Study for Porto Romano thermo power plant, Albania

This study commissioned by the Italian energy company Enel has been heavily criticised for several shortcomings, including the studys failure to: consider alternative energy scenarios to coal power; analyse properly the carbon dioxide emissions; assess the socio-economic impacts of the project and provide for management and monitoring plans.

EBRD says NO to Vlora hydrocarbons terminal

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is no longer considering financing for a controversial hydrocarbons terminal in Vlora, Albania.

Comments on the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Demir Kapija – Smokvica highway project