New life for old nukes in Ukraine means more risk for people and planet
October 3, 2016
A decision today by Ukraine’s nuclear regulator to extend the operations of another Soviet-era reactor has been made in spite of the country’s failure to implement fully the obligations it took on when receiving EU funding for its ageing nuclear fleet.
Juncker investment plan: deep reforms necessary for sustainable future
September 28, 2016
Cash that should be flowing into projects that boost environmental sustainability is instead fuelling outdated carbon-intensive projects like motorways, airports, and fossil-fuel infrastructure, according to a new report on Europe’s investment plan released today
Juncker Investment Plan 2 and review of EU budget offer no progress towards Europe’s long-term climate goals
September 15, 2016
What should have been two significant contributions to Europe’s war chest in the fight against climate change will in fact leave the planet short-changed and open the door to even more polluting fossil fuel projects, argue campaigners at Bankwatch, Friends of the Earth Europe and Climate Action Network Europe.
New report reveals the ‘dark side’ of EIB funds: how the EU’s bank supports non-transparent investment funds based in tax havens
September 14, 2016
Counter Balance launches today a new report that critically analyses a little-known part of the European Investment Bank (EIB)’s operations: its use of private equity funds. The report is available for download at http://www.counter-balance.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/The-dark-side-of-EIB-funds_report.pdf The report presents a number of statistics and facts about recent investment funds financed by the EIB during the period 2011-2015.
New report: institutionalised corruption in Romania’s third largest company
July 12, 2016
Counter Balance and its partner Bankwatch have launched a new report exploring corruption cases in Romania’s third largest company. The Oltenia Energy Complex (OEC) is a key player in the energy sector in Romania and today operates ten lignite mines and four power plants. Supposed recipient of a EUR 200 million loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), OEC stands out for a long list of corruption scandals collected in the last decade.
EU budget review must enhance European climate action
July 7, 2016
The European Commission must listen to the European Parliament calling for an EU budget that works for people and planet – according to CEE Bankwatch Network, Friends of the Earth Europe and Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe.
Less is more: Romanian energy trajectory shows potential for low carbon economic growth – report
July 6, 2016
Romania could well be on path to a sustainable, prosperous economy if decision makers acknowledge growing GDP in tandem with dropping energy demand, a report released today by Bankwatch Romania argues.
Croatia to drop controversial coal plant project, confirms minister
June 14, 2016
The Croatian Minister for Economy, Tomislav Panenić, yesterday confirmed that the 500 MW Plomin C coal plant project has been stopped.
The EU house bank is holding back Europe’s shift to sustainable energy
June 14, 2016
On the occasion of the EU Sustainable Energy Week, a new Bankwatch analysis shows that the European Investment Bank (EIB) has been effectively hindering Europe’s energy transition.
Response to statements regarding CEKOR in the Serbian media
June 9, 2016
CEKOR, as a non-governmental watchdog organisation, has since 1999 strived to promote sustainable development in Serbia and has a strong track record in supporting local communities harmed by development projects to advocate for their rights.
