Western Balkan coal pollution still massive, illegal and deadly – new report
June 21, 2022
In 2021, Western Balkan coal plants flagrantly breached air pollution legislation under the Energy Community Treaty for the fourth year in a row, emitting five times as much sulphur dioxide and 1.8 times as much dust as allowed, according to a report released today by CEE Bankwatch Network.
Civil Society From Across the Asian Region Urge the ADB to Stop Financing False Climate and Energy Solutions
June 16, 2022
Civil society groups from across Asia are condemning the Asian Development Bank’s Asia Clean Energy Forum 2022, hosted from June 14-17th, as failing to provide a platform for discussion about real climate and energy solutions grounded in science and the lived realities of the region’s diverse communities. To highlight critical concerns about the ADB’s proposed and current energy investments, a range of events are being organized online and in person by community groups and their allies.
EU bank hands out billions to companies complicit in burning fossil fuels
June 14, 2022
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has pumped billions of euros into polluting fossil fuel companies over the past two years despite talking up its climate credentials, new research by Counter Balance and CEE Bankwatch Network reveals.
Environmental groups challenge EU support for 30 fossil gas projects
June 7, 2022
ClientEarth, Friends of the Earth Europe, Food & Water Action Europe and CEE Bankwatch Network are starting legal action to end support to 30 EU-backed proposed gas projects. They say the EU Commission has given these climate-destructive projects VIP status, in contradiction of its legal obligations.
EU recovery plans – a threat to nature
June 2, 2022
The European Commission has claimed that the Recovery and Resilience Facility (EUR 672.5 billion) will ensure a ‘green recovery’ throughout Europe. Yet not only is it failing to protect and restore nature, it will likely even increase harm to it, according to a new Bankwatch and EuroNatur report published today.
EU Ombudsman reprimands EIB for lack of transparency on funding’s environmental impacts
April 25, 2022
In an encouraging move for democracy and the planet, the EU watchdog has taken a stance against the European Investment Bank (EIB) for refusing to disclose information about the environmental impacts of projects it finances.
Activists call on EU to stop promoting fossil gas dependence in the Western Balkans
April 5, 2022
36 civil society organisations have today sent a joint letter to the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, calling on the EU to stop promoting the use of fossil gas in the Western Balkans.
Statement of solidarity with Ukraine
March 2, 2022
The Russian army’s invasion of Ukraine is a tragedy for both Ukraine and Russia, causing needless destruction, death, heartbreak and hardship. Bankwatch stands with our friends, colleagues and the communities that we work with, and demands action from international financial institutions.
Progress with EU recovery fund hampered by fossil fuels investments and threats to nature
February 3, 2022
Brussels – Genuine efforts by Member States to direct spending from the EUR 672 billion Recovery and Resilience Facility towards climate action are being undermined by investments that are likely to harm the environment and climate, finds a new report by CAN Europe and CEE Bankwatch Network.
EU bank’s new environmental and social policy not fit for lofty development ambitions
February 2, 2022
The European Investment Bank (EIB) – the financial arm of the EU – has approved a set of new environmental and social standards that, despite some last-minute changes, leave the door open to human rights abuses and biodiversity destruction, warn civil society groups.
