Concerns regarding the EBRD’s Project Complaint Mechanism and recommendations for improvements – letter to EBRD directors
January 23, 2017
This letter to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s Board of Directors summarises civil society organisations’ concerns regarding bank’s Project Complaints Mechanism, specifically the handling of several complaints, and makes specific recommendations for improvements, based on experience with these cases and with the accountability mechanisms of other institutions.
Why coal is not the way forward – facts versus myths
November 14, 2016
Coal is the single biggest contributor to global climate change. But governments and investors planning new coal capacities have a range of flimsy arguments why coal would be the best or the only alternative. This briefing busts a number of myths surrounding coal, such as “coal is cheap”, “alleviates poverty” or “coal is clean”.
Tavan Tolgoi coal power plant
November 7, 2016
Mongolia’s plans to build a 600 megawatt (MW) coal power plant at Tavan Tolgoi in the South Gobi Desert appear at odds with international commitments on climate change and with local realities.
Azerbaijan’s crackdown on civil society must not be tolerated, international NGOs tell industry transparency body
October 25, 2016
The Azerbaijani government’s relentless repression of civil society should disqualify the country from participating in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), 18 international groups wrote in a letter sent on Thursday (October 20) to members of the EITI board.
EU-Geld für schmutziges Gold
July 13, 2016
Die Kumtor-Mine verseucht das Land. Die Europäische Entwicklungsbank ist daran beteiligt. Das könnte Merkel in Kirgistan ansprechen. BERLIN taz | Noch nie war ein deutscher Regierungschef in der kirgisischen Hauptstadt Bischkek, insofern betritt Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel (CDU) auf ihrer Reise Neuland.
Mining Company Shirks Blame for Glacier Damage in Kyrgyzstan
April 20, 2016
The most controversial gold mining project in Central Asia is back in the spotlight again this month. Canadian mining company Centerra Gold has re-launched its public relations campaign in Kyrgyzstan to improve the company’s image over the status of glaciers at the Kumtor gold mine, one of the world’s biggest open-pit gold mines and a flagship project that accounts for 90 percent of company’s profits.
Lost in transition: Far-reaching changes needed as European bank marks 25 years
April 11, 2016
On April 15, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will be marking its 25th anniversary. Reflecting on two decades of monitoring the EBRD’s policies and projects, a new report from CEE Bankwatch Network raises concerns about a growing gap between the bank’s operations and its mandate.
Lost in transition – 25 years of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
April 11, 2016
This report examines a selection of cases monitored by CEE Bankwatch Network and its partners in recent years and highlights some of the weaknesses observed in the EBRD’s approach to environmental, social, democracy and development issues. On 15 April 2016 the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will mark its 25th anniversary. This opportunity should kick-start a debate about what the London-based public bank has achieved since it started operations in 1991 and to reflect on its future.
Conflict continues at Kyrgyzstan’s massive gold mine
February 19, 2016
The Kumtor mine, built on a glacier high in the Tian Shan mountains, continues to attract fierce criticism from locals. Tian Shan mountain range, Kyrgyzstan – Hidden in a valley in Kyrgyzstan’s Tian Shan mountains lies the magnificent Issyk-Kul Lake, one of the highest and deepest lakes in the world and a top tourist destination in the region.
Water disputes persist as Rio Tinto pushes ahead with second Oyu Tolgoi mine
February 11, 2016
Prague; Khanbogd Soum, Mongolia – A large new copper mine in Mongolia could cause irreversible damage to terrain and deprive water from some of the world’s last remaining nomadic herding groups, finds a new report released today by Oyu Tolgoi Watch, the Bank Information Center, CEE Bankwatch Network and Accountability Counsel.
