European-backed small HPPs damaging environment in Balkans
December 20, 2017
The CEE Bankwatch Network, a non-governmental organisation based in the Czech Republic, said on Wednesday that eight hydropower plant (HPP) projects in Albania, Croatia and Macedonia financed with European public money have damaged biodiversity and sho
Broken rivers. The impacts of European-financed small hydropower plants on pristine Balkan landscapes
December 19, 2017
Eight hydropower projects in Albania, Croatia and Macedonia financed with European public money have damaged biodiversity and are in urgent need of increased monitoring and restoration measures.
Construction permit denied for Banovići coal power plant in Bosnia and Herzegovina
December 15, 2017
Plagued by a number of unsolved issues, the Chinese-backed Banovići lignite power plant in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been dealt a major blow.
EUR 1.5 billion public loan for controversial pipeline withheld
December 12, 2017
Today, at a board meeting in Luxembourg the European Investment Bank has decided, for now, to postpone loaning 1.5 billion euros to the controversial Trans-Adriatic Pipeline.
Bern Convention: Macedonian government is urged to halt construction of hydropower plants in national park
December 11, 2017
Plans for 17 hydropower plants throughout Macedonia’s Mavrovo National Park must be immediately suspended, so the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention ruled at its annual meeting last week.
Romanian coal mine blocked from expanding, but neighbours remain without water
December 11, 2017
The village of Lupoaia in southwest Romania depends on the mining company for their drinking water. The company wants to expand the nearby mine, thus further increasing the local pollution.
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?
Ecological integrity assessment of four rivers in Macedonia affected by derivation hydropower schemes based on aquatic macroinvertebrates
December 7, 2017
This study provides an ecological integrity assessment of four rivers in Macedonia affected by small hydropower plants which are perceived as low-impact but can have significant detrimental effects on river ecosystems. The selected plants are financed by international development banks such as the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Between TAP and a hard place – Albanian farmers receive peanuts after losing land and livelihoods to gas pipeline
November 30, 2017
Interviews in Albania revealed a barrage of complaints about how the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline has been treating farmers affected by the mega gas project that may soon receive a record loan from the European Investment Bank.
Land lost but not forgotten
November 30, 2017
Impacts of the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline on the land and livelihoods of farmers in Albania In May 2017, Bankwatch, together with the Albanian Helsinki Committee undertook a mission along the corridor of the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline in Albania to talk to p