Updates on the European Investment Bank

Demir Kapija-Smokvica highway issue paper (Macedonian language)

Bankwatch Mail 36

In this issue: Why is the EBRD tacitly backing Ukraine’s nuke-centric, inefficient energy plans? * Football and PPPs do not mix * Renewables continue to get a rough ride in Georgia * Other transitions are out there – but not as the EBRD knows it * Wake up and smell ArcelorMittal – global case studies reveal who picks up the tab for steel giant * PIP squeaks again: no end in sight to info disclosure constipation at the EBRD

Bankwatch Mail 35

In this issue: Bottom line additionality in Kazakhstan as more miners die * Campaign successes amidst the Black Weeks * New map of projects points the way to environmental and social justice in CEE * Feeding the Asian Tigers: Lack of environmental teeth in ADB’s energy strategy * Counter Balance: Challenging the European Investment Bank * European Parliament looks for more added value from the EIB * Energy Matters: new Bankwatch report and film explore big industry developments in Albania * Going nuclear: the EIB’s waiting game continues * EBRD crackdown on “open markets” in Ukraine * They’ll

Three activists released pending trial for protesting against controversial oil terminal construction in Vlora

The district court in Vlora, Albania last week released three members of the Civic Alliance for the Protection of Vlora Bay [1] who were arrested and detained for two weeks after protesting against the construction of a hydrocarbons terminal in Vlora. The terminal, regarded by the protestors as bringing few benefits to the local economy in exchange for high environmental risks, is being built by the Italian investor La Petrolifera Italo Rumena. The project is currently seeking a EUR 15 million credit from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Energy Matters: the Vlora coastal terminal. Fact-finding mission report on energy and industry developments in Vlora, Albania

The report summerises the findings of a recent Bankwatch and partner NGO fact-finding mission to Albania, in which meetings with the Albanian authorities, IFIs, investors and affected communities provided insights into large industrial and energy developments in the region.

Vlora citizens demand a referendum and a yachting harbour instead of an oil terminal and pipeline

The Civic Alliance for the Protection of the Vlora Bay, a local Albanian initiative group, continued on Sunday to press for a referendum on an oil deposit and a thermo-power plant being constructed north of the town of Vlora on Albania’s Adriatic coast.

Demir Kapija- Smokvica Environmental Impact Assessment part 1

Demir Kapija- Smokvica Environmental Impact Assessment part 2

The Gilgel Gibe affair: an analysis of the Gilbel Gibe hydroelectric projects in Ethiopia

The study illustrates the dangers that accompany large energy infrastructure projects whenever the interests of a major private company coincide not only with weak governance in the host country but also very clear willingness from financial institutions to provide funding, in spite of alarming project oversights and impacts. The study shows how goals to eradicate poverty and support local communities can be easily compromised when major corporations and/or political elites are intent on maximising profits.

NGO letter of concern regarding priority projects approved by the Ministerial Council of the South East Europe Energy Community Treaty

On March 12, 2008 the SEE Energy Community responded to this letter. Download the response here (as pdf). On June 3, 2008 SEEDW issued a response to the above. Download it as pdf here.