Energy lending at the EBRD: Fossil fuels up, renewables down
December 11, 2017
What’s going on with the Green Economy Transition at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development?
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.
Where the grass is less green. Public funding for energy in the European Neighbourhood Policy
April 7, 2016
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 study examines EU financing for the energy sector in 16 countries of the European Neighbourhood between 2007 and 2014.
EU-backed fossil fuels binge needs to end in ‘neighbourhood’ countries
December 17, 2015
Bankwatch has been taking a look at EU financing for the energy sector in 16 European Neighbourhood countries between 2007 and 2014. Alarmingly, our research has uncovered that out of at least EUR 9 billion provided by the EU to energy projects in the ENP region during the period under assessment, more than EUR 4.2 billion in financing went to hydrocarbons in contrast to the EUR 1.5 billion awarded to low carbon sources of energy and energy efficiency projects.
South Tunisia: Star Wars filming location suffers environmental threat
November 24, 2015
Almost 40 years ago Star Wars was filmed in the south of Tunisia. The area is now attracting concerns from environmental organizations, rather than tourists. Almost 40 years has passed since the world-famous saga Star Wars was filmed in the south of Tunisia, in an area which offers beautiful natural scenery and resources. Notwithstanding its cinematic fame, the city of Tataouine – after which the planet Tatooine was named in George Lucas’ film – has not become a touristic mecca as one could expect.
Film premier: Winstar Wars explores south Tunisia’s gas exploration region
November 20, 2015
Almost 40 years ago Star Wars was filmed in the south of Tunisia. For many this will be the only association with the country. The city of Tataouine – after which the planet Tatooine was named in George Lucas’ film – is not a touristic mecca, though. The capital of the largest region of Tunisia with 100 000 inhabitants has only 3 hotels which stand largely empty.
The EBRD: Fueling the future, or stuck in the past?
November 19, 2015
A closer look at the projects that the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has financed in the energy sector in Middle East and North African countries reveals that, despite the bank’s rhetoric about promoting sustainable energy, its balance sheet has fossil fuels all over it.
Niezwykły film o problemach Tataouine, które zasłynęło dzięki „Gwiezdnym wojnom”
November 19, 2015
Ten krótkometrażowy dokument poświęcony problemom tunezyjskiego miasta Tataouine, które zasłynęło dzięki pierwszej części „Gwiezdnych wojen” (podtytuł „Nowa nadzieja” okazuje się dziś bardzo wymowny), będzie można obejrzeć w Warszawie podczas szóstej edycji Międzynarodowego Festiwalu Filmów Dokumentalnych HumanDOC.
Executive summary: The EU and energy in the Arab countries
November 17, 2015
This briefing (an executive summary of an upcoming report) looks at energy investments by the EU in the Southern Mediterranean region and the impacts on the social, economic and environmental rights of citizens and communities by highlighting the compliance of these activities with the values of democracy, human rights and economic development for Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia. It also assesses the type of the investments that would be beneficial both for host countries as well as for the EU.