Executive summary: European public money for the energy sector in countries of the European Neighbourhood Policy
November 17, 2015
Countries of the European Neighbourhood have received a boost to their energy sectors in the last decade, thanks in part to the prominent role played by the EU as a catalyst of both policy reforms and financing. This paper is the executive summary of an upcoming study that examines EU financing for the energy sector in 16 countries of the European Neighbourhood between 2007 and 2014.
Azerbaijan, the European Neighbourhood Policy and the EU’s energy interest
November 17, 2015
Azerbaijan has been a part of the EU Neighbourhood Policy since 2004 and has enjoyed substantial support through investments in the energy sector. As a result of cooperation on energy projects, the EU is today Azerbaijan’s main trading partner, with bilateral trade amounting to more than EUR 16.7 billion in 2014. But while the European Commission’s 2014 progress report on Azerbaijan stressed the good progress in the EU’s partnership with Azerbaijan, problems for ordinary Azeris are increasing.
Executive summary: the Eastern Neighbourhood Region and the EU’s energy interests
November 17, 2015
Since the early 1990s, the EU has actively sought the development of both the oil and gas sectors in former Soviet republics. Energy security, the cornerstone of the EU’s foreign policy became the driving force behind the European Neighbourhood Policy. Investments through the EU’s Neighbourhood Policy Instrument and public banks have supported the development of unsustainable energy systems in most Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries. Like in other countries, the EaP region received more for fossil fuels than renewable sources of energy.
Infographic: How EU development funds fuel climate change
November 17, 2015
A Bankwatch research into the EU’s development funds for neighbouring regions finds that considerably more European taxpayer money is supporting fossil fuels than facilitating a sustainable energy transition. This infographic belongs to a report presented in November 2015 to the European Parliament. See the report’s excutive summary >>
Comments on Environmental Impact Assessment for Nenskra hydropower plant in Georgia
September 30, 2015
These comments on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for the Nenskra hydropower plant in Georgia concludes that the quality of the submitted report is extremely poor. The report as well as the public hearings organised during its preparation do not comply with Georgian legislation or with the requirements of International Financial Institutions.
Azerbaijan: Sport for Rights coalition condemns sentencing of journalist Khadija Ismayilova
September 1, 2015
The Sport for Rights coalition strongly condemns the sentencing of Azerbaijani journalist Khadija Ismayilova to a staggering 7.5 years in jail. On 1 September, the Baku Court of Grave Crimes convicted Ismayilova on charges of embezzlement, illegal entrepreneurship, tax evasion, and abuse of office. Ismayilova was acquitted of the charge of inciting someone to attempt suicide. Sport for Rights considers the charges against Ismayilova to be politically motivated and connected to her work as an investigative journalist, particularly her exposure of corruption among the ruling Azerbaijani elite.
Azerbaijan: Sport for Rights coalition condemns sentencing of journalist Khadija Ismayilova
September 1, 2015
Коалиция «Спорт за права» решительно осуждает ошеломляющий приговор азербайджанской журналистке Хадидже Исмайловой, осужденной на 7,5 лет лишения свободы. 1 сентября Бакинский суд по тяжким преступлениям признал Исмайлову виновной по обвинениям в присвоении средств, незаконном предпринимательстве, уклонении от уплаты налогов и злоупотреблении должностными полномочиями. По обвинению в доведении человека до самоубийства Исмайлову оправдали. Коалиция «Спорт за права» считает, что обвинения против Исмайловой политически мотивированы и связаны с ее журналистскими расследованиями, в частности с разоблачениями коррупции среди правящей азербайджанской элиты.
Guest post: Behind the glitz of oil riches – the shrinking space for democracy in Azerbaijan
July 29, 2015
Last week, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development approved a loan over half a billion dollars for Lukoil’s share in the Shah Deniz gas field in Azerbaijan. In this guest post, rights activist Emma Hughes from Platform reflects on how business as usual resumes after the media attention on Azerbaijan’s human rights abuses has faded.
European funding for a Lukoil gas project in Azerbaijan tramples the EU’s commitment to both climate action and human rights
July 23, 2015
A USD 500 million loan for the share of Russian gas giant Lukoil in a major gas project in Azerbaijan has been approved yesterday by the Board of Directors of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Yet, the decision will significantly hinder Europe’s commitments to decarbonise as well as to advance democracy.
Publish What You Pay: ‘Lukoil loan would fundamentally contradict EBRD policies’
July 21, 2015
The Board of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), a coalition of companies, governments, investors and civil society organisations has unanimously downgraded Azerbaijan to a “candidate country”. Azerbaijan will be suspended from the EITI in April 2016 if it does not comply with a set of requirements that ensure civil society can work freely in the country.
