Updates on the European Investment Bank

Who wants it? Who needs it? The Vlora coastal terminal, Albania

The terminal is to be located inside the industry park near a thermo-power plant which has already received lending support from the EBRD, European Investment Bank and the World Banks International Development Association.

Western High Speed Diameter: strategic risks of a strategic project

The Western High Speed Diameter (WHSD) is a 46 kilometre toll motorway, part of the IX Pan-European Transport Corridor linking St. Petersburg with Scandinavia. The road has been presented as a strategic investment priority for St. Petersburg by the Russian authorities and international financiers as it is going to be the first public-private partnership in Russia as well as the first toll road in Russia. Yet there are serious doubts that the WHSD will make St. Petersburg a better place.

Progress report on the ‘Gazela’ slum resettlement project – EBRD AGM Issue Paper 2008

The Gazela Bridge over the Sava River in Belgrade, Serbia, is more than thirty years old. The bridge was projected for 30000 v/day, currently is servicing more than 150000 v/day. The bridge has never been repaired and urgently needs reparation. The EBRD approved Euro 25 million loan for the reconstruction of approaching roads to Gazela Bridge to the Public Enterprise Serbian Roads.

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