Comments on the draft EBRD country strategy for the Russian Federation
December 3, 2012
The EBRD is updating its country strategy for the Russian Federation. Bankwatch’s inputs in the consultation focus on assessing the needs of the updated strategy in view of the political and human rights situation, issues of corruption and transparency in Russia, development impacts of the EBRD’s activities and the energy and agriculture sectors.
Monsanto Should Not Expand Relying on Public Money
November 19, 2012
London — Monsanto, the world’s largest seed producer and one of the most prominent promoters of GMO crops worldwide, is set to receive 40 million US dollars of public financial support via the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
We will not share Monsanto’s risk – Open letter to the EBRD
November 19, 2012
Signed by more than 150 organisations, the letter calls on the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to not further consider USD 40 million unfunded risk participation in Monsanto’s portfolio in Bulgaria, Hungary, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine. The letter explains Monsanto’s long and controversial history of transferring its risks onto other people and the environment. It argues that support for this company and the agricultural model it represents is highly inappropriate for a multilateral development bank committed in its statute to promoting “environmentally sound and sustainable development”.
European public development money for Monsanto? Whatever next?!
November 14, 2012
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development considers supporting one of the most criticised and controversial corporations on the planet, Monsanto. Reasons for deciding against it are plenty.
Public-private partnerships in the EU at lowest level for ten years, but more blood transfusions from project bonds coming soon
November 7, 2012
Although public-private partnerships appear to become increasingly untenable for public authorities, they are further being promoted by the European Commission and the European Investment Bank. An official in-depth evaluation of this financing model, however, is still nowhere to be seen.
That’s what they call sustainable. The EBRD’s 10 billion for sustainable energy
November 6, 2012
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development boasts of having invested 10 billion euros in sustainable energy since 2006. A closer look reveals that although the bank’s efforts deserve recognition, several investments make a mockery of ‘sustainability’.
How Ukraine can survive without nuclear – renewable energy potentials reviewed
October 22, 2012
A closer look at Ukraine’s energy strategy reveals fundamental flaws in the government’s plans to continue using old nuclear reactors and its rhetoric of nuclear being the only possible alternative.
Covering the Balkans in Soot: The New European Energy Community Strategy Favours Fossil Fuel Reliance
October 17, 2012
Brussels — Neighbouring countries of the EU from the Western Balkans to Ukraine are planning unsustainable energy futures relying on coal and nuclear. An energy strategy for the region to be approved Thursday by the European Energy Community indicates that such investments in dirty fuels could happen with EU support and financing.
When loyalty blocks climate action – Polish parliament pledges allegiance
October 17, 2012
The Polish government has a sad reputation for adopting unilateral, even obscure approaches when it comes to our country’s energy policy. What now came as a very disappointing surprise is that the Polish parliament joined the opportunistic chorus of denial – one that considers alternatives to the continued reliance on fossil fuels as a threat to Poland’s security.
Comments on draft European Energy Community Strategy – an unsustainable energy future
October 15, 2012
Neighbouring countries of the EU from the Western Balkans to Ukraine are planning unsustainable energy futures relying on coal and nuclear. The energy strategy of the European Energy Community indicates continued reliance on coal and nuclear energy which could happen with EU support and financing.