Case study: The Boskov Most hydropower plant in Macedonia and the EBRD’s Project Complaint Mechanism
May 10, 2013
The Boskov Most project involves the construction of a 33 metres-high accumulation dam and hydropower plant. It is mostly located in the territory of the Mavrovo National Park, one of the oldest and most valuable protected areas in the country. The EBRD approved the project in November 2011 and signed the finance contract the same year. The civil society organisation Eko-svest from Macedonia submitted a complaint to the EBRD’s Project Complaint Mechanism (PCM). This briefing outlines the problematic communication with the bank during the investigation.
Guest post: Development banks and the Arab Spring, new report takes stock
May 6, 2013
A new report takes a critical look at the engagement of European development banks in Egypt after the popular uprisings in the Middle East and North African region. This article appeared originally on the Counter Balance blog and has been shortened and slightly edited.
Input for online questionnaire on Projects of Energy Community Interest
April 29, 2013
Our input expresses our main concern relating to the need to develop an energy sector in southeast and eastern Europe that is in line with EU environmental and climate policies and legislation, as well as one which addresses the increasing problem of energy poverty through sparing and efficient energy use. We underline the need for the PECIs projects to be in line with current and forthcoming EU legislation and policies on climate, environment, renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Ukraine’s Nukes Are in Breach of UN Convention
April 22, 2013
Kiev – Ukraine’s expansion of the lifetime of its old nuclear reactors is in breach of the UN Espoo Convention, ruled the body monitoring the implementation of this international agreement, because Kiev went ahead with the prolongation of the use of its old reactors without assessing the impact this may have on neighbouring countries.
Letter to EBRD: Espoo Convention confirms Ukraine’s non-compliance with Ukraine’s international obligations regarding nuclear reactors’ lifetime-extensions
April 22, 2013
The Implementation Committee under the Espoo Convention concluded in March 2013 that the extension of the life-times of two nuclear reactor units at the Rivne NPP are a case of non-compliance with Ukraine’s international obligations. The two units are part of a, EBRD financed project and got their life-time extensions in 2010 without preparing an environmental impact assessment (EIA) and with no information provided to potentially affected neighbouring states.
The climate crisis and the role of Europe’s public banks
April 22, 2013
With each passing day, there is less chance that we will manage to keep the planet within the “safe” limit of two degrees Celsius global warming that would avoid disastrous climate change. The European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development can play a pivotal role in leveraging more private investment for sustainable energy. Both institutions are now reviewing their energy lending policies.
EBRD with disastrous start in Kosovo, European Parliament not amused
April 19, 2013
The European Parliament yesterday chastised the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for its explicit interest in financing a new lignite-fired power plant in Kosovo. NGOs hope the bank will pay more attention to the Parliament than it did to civil society and energy experts so far.
European Parliament wants green energy, not coal, as part of Kosovo integration
April 19, 2013
The European Parliament yesterday blasted the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for considering financing of the planned USD 2 billion Kosova e Re lignite power plant near Pristina.
Comments on draft EBRD strategy for Kosovo
April 18, 2013
These comments focus in particular on the energy sector in Kosovo to avoid a replication of mistakes that the EBRD made in other countries in the region. The Kosovo energy sector presents a wide range of serious challenges and it is of particular concern that the draft strategy includes specifically the new Kosovo lignite power plant project among its possible interventions (while not specifying specific energy efficiency or renewable energy projects).
KOSID comments on draft EBRD strategy for Kosovo
April 17, 2013
Kosovo Civil Society Consortium for Sustainable Development (KOSID) is an umbrella for Civil Society groups in Kosovo that follow projects with the aim of contributing to more sustainable solutions. KOSID consists of think tanks, civic initiatives, public information and outreach organizations, and specific professional institutions and associations; those work together as a group in following the projects. KOSID’s comments on the EBRD’s draft strategy for Kosovo argues against supporting a new lignite-fired power plant near Prishtina.
