Ukraine’s nuclear energy fixation puts its European financiers to a test
September 5, 2016
In a meeting today, the Espoo Convention’s Implementation Committee will again discuss Ukraine’s compliance with the Convention’s rules. A look back at the last months does not suggest a positive outcome.
‘We have no other option’ – Albanian communities face unjust resettlement process for Trans-Adriatic Pipeline
August 4, 2016
What is a perceived source of security for some can cause instability for others’ lives.
‘We have no other option’ – Preparation of the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline in Albania
August 4, 2016
The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), the most western part of the Southern Gas Corridor, a pipeline project to bring gas from Azerbaijan to Europe is promoted by the European Commission as a strategic asset for Europe’s energy security. A July visit to over 30 Albanian villages revealed the high level of dissatisfaction and confusion for people impacted by the construction of TAP.
Sonnige Grüße aus Tschernobyl
August 4, 2016
Die Regierung in Kiew will endlich unabhäng von russischem Gas werden. Ein Solarpark in der Zone um Tschernobyl soll helfen. KIEW taz | Mehr Sonne: Die Regierung der Ukraine hat ehrgeizige Pläne zur Förderung erneuerbarer Energien. Kürzlich stellte sie ein neues Projekt vor: Eine 6.000 Hektar große Solarfarm in der 30-Kilometer-Zone um die Reaktoren von Tschernobyl.
Ukraine’s nuclear programme and the Espoo Convention – letter to the Convention’s Implementation Committee
August 1, 2016
Espoo bodies sent several specific recommendations concerning its non-compliance with the Espoo Convention to Ukraine. Nonetheless Ukraine seems to be either ignoring those or taking insufficient steps towards compliance. Therefore Bankwatch summarises the state-of-play in this letter and asks the Implementation Committee to consider a number of steps to ensure the Convention’s requirements are properly met by Ukraine.
The economics of Pljevlja II coal plant – smoke, mirrors and EU law derogations
July 11, 2016
New mudflow hits Georgian village as rainy season reveals poor assessment of hydropower plans
July 5, 2016
As rains cause mudflows in Georgia’s mountains, locals from different regions unite to protest hydropower developments in geologically unstable areas.
Campaign update: Georgian mountain communities consider restoring long abandoned tradition to tackle threats to their land
June 29, 2016
With hydropower and mining projects encroaching on their lands and livelihoods, Svan communities in Georgia’s northwest consider convening in an ancestral assembly to discuss their course of action.
Campaign update: environmental and health impacts of Serbian planned coal power plant Kostolac B3 discussed in court hearing
June 28, 2016
The possible cancellation of the Serbian government’s decision to construct a new 350 MW unit at the Kostolac B lignite power plant was discussed on June 23 at the national administrative court of Serbia.
Submission to European Court of Justice: Request to release documents on European Commission decision on Euratom loan for Ukraine
June 16, 2016
Earlier in 2016, Bankwatch approached the European Commission’s Directorate General for Economic and Financial Affairs, and made a request for documents related to the EUR 300 million Euratom loan for Ukraine’s nuclear safety upgrade programme. Specifically, we asked for the evidence used by the Commission in making the first EUR 100 million disbursement from the loan.