Energy Security for whom? For what?
February 28, 2012
A new report by The Corner House critically examines the notion of “energy security,” one of the buzzwords in European politics used to justify controversial infrastructure projects like the Nabucco gas pipeline or high voltage transmission lines in Ukraine. Here an introduction to the report from its authors.
Enquiry regarding the Natura 2000 assessment process of the Ombla hydropower plant
February 27, 2012
More information on the Ombla hydropower plant project is available on our website. The EBRD replied to our enquiry on March 1, 2012. Their answer can be downloaded as pdf.
Letter to European Commission: Insufficient environmental assessment of Ukraine NPP Safety Upgrade Programme
January 20, 2012
The letter criticises the environmental assessment of the Nuclear power plants safety upgrade programme (SUP) in Ukraine. It concludes that the assessment insufficient and does not fully elaborate the objectives and consequences of the SUP.
Complaint to EBRD’s Public Complaint Mechanism: Rivne-Kyiv High Voltage Line project
January 10, 2012
The loan agreement between Ukraine and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for the Rivne-Kyiv High Voltage Line project (connected to the controversial “Second Backbone Corridor”) included significant parts of the project that were not assessed in the obligatory environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) prior to project approval.
Comments on the European Neighbourhood Policy and the forthcoming European Neighborhood Instrument
November 30, 2011
The primary goal of the EU’s neighbourhood policy should be based on an insistence on increased democracy in EU neighbourhood countries. This should happen through public participation in decision-making processes, the establishment of good governance and sustainable development practices, increased environmental protection and climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as increased welfare and social security across these countries.
Hydropower vs. nature in southeast Europe: EBRD complicity in environmental crime?
October 31, 2011
Why is it that when we advocate for something to the international financial institutions (IFIs) they often manage to give it a peculiar twist of their own?
European Parliament makes a step towards putting the ‘E’ into EBRD
October 19, 2011
By requesting a number of changes at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Parliament has confirmed at least some of Bankwatch’s criticism of the bank’s mode of operation and (in a subtle way) also its overall approach.
Potocnik says green economy, European public banks say black coal
October 3, 2011
The European Union’s internal and external ambitions for green economies are being countered by the activities of European international financial institutions. EU Commissioner for the Environment Potocnik can see that also in his home country Slovenia.
Greenwashing nuclear expansion in Ukraine, with EU support
September 13, 2011
Upgrades of hydro power plants in Ukraine are a prime example for greenwashing nuclear expansion with renewable energy. Alena Miskun from Bankwatch member group National Environmental Centre of Ukraine gives details on the thickening plot that European public banks are involved in.
Contemplating secure and insecure energy supply
September 7, 2011
The EU external energy policy Communication published today by the European Commission continues the decade-long approach of the EU to ensure the unhindered flow of fossil fuel energy supplies to Europe without a real recognition of the problems this drive creates both inside and outside of the EU.
