New Bankwatch study: European “green energy” funding for hydropower threatens pristine Balkan rivers
December 11, 2015
Radolfzell, Vienna, Prague – A wave of hydropower development fuelled by European public funding and EU companies is endangering pristine river environments in the Balkans, finds a new study by CEE Bankwatch Network released today.
Financing for hydropower in protected areas in southeast Europe
December 11, 2015
Southeast Europe is experiencing a wave of hydropower projects. In a region with a deadly combination of Europe’s last wild rivers, rampant corruption and inadequate nature protection, the potential for damage is immense. In order to address this issue, we need to know who is making it happen. This research aims – to the extent possible given the secrecy around the financial sector – to find out who are the main actors involved in financing hydropower projects in the region, both overall and inside of protected areas. Update January 2017 The EBRD has said that financing has been cancelled for four small hydropower plants in Macedonia: Zrnovska reka 1, Zrnovska reka 2, Estericka reka, Kadina reka. In addition, financing has been cancelled for the 68 MW Boskov Most plant in the Mavrovo National Park, also in Macedonia. Regarding the Ternove SHPP in Albania, the EBRD has said that it had conducted an on-site investigation into the concerns received in a letter from an affected citizen. The bank found nothing to substantiate the allegations. Bankwatch will continue to monitor the issue.
Ukraine snubs safety concerns and European donors, extends lifetime of fourth Soviet-era nuclear reactor
December 8, 2015
Kiev, Prague – An ageing nuclear unit in the South Ukraine power plant is the latest to have its expiry date rewritten by overzealous Ukrainian authorities, despite a number of pending safety issues and concerns over compliance with international treaties.
Macedonia urged to suspend controversial hydropower project
December 4, 2015
Strasbourg, Skopje, Prague – In the latest blow to planned hydropower dam in Macedonia’s Mavrovo National Park, the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention, the European wildlife treaty, added today its voice to growing calls to reconsider this reckless project. The spotlight is now on the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the project’s main financier.
Bern Convention Committee to decide fate of Balkan lynx and Boskov Most hydropower plant in Macedonia
November 30, 2015
The critically endangered population of the Balkan lynx (Lynx lynx balcanicus) may be getting a new lease on life this week after being threatened by planned hydropower constructions in its core area of reproduction.
‘No peaceful atom’ film premier at One World festival in Slovakia
November 30, 2015
A Bankwatch film about Ukraine’s nuclear sector and the controversial European public funding for it was premiered at the One World film festival in Slovakia.
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.
EU gives neighbours three times more funding for fossil fuels than renewables
November 19, 2015
Financing from the EU’s development funds to its neighbours far higher for fossil fuels than for renewables, report finds
‘EU geeft buurtlanden 3 keer meer financiering voor fossiel dan voor hernieuwbaar’
November 19, 2015
UTRECHT – De Europese Unie geeft buurlanden 3 keer meer subsidie voor energieprojecten met fossiele brandstoffen dan voor groene-energieprojecten. Dit stelt CCE Bankwatch Network, een Oost-Europese ngo die investeringen in groen en fossiel in de gaten houdt. De organisatie keek naar investeringsovereenkomsten tussen Europese instituten en de energiesector van 16 aangrenzende landen van de EU. In totaal financierde de Europese Unie 9 miljard euro aan energieprojecten bij buurlanden in het oosten en het zuiden tussen 2007 en 2014. Retoriek