Lessons from Kolubara for the EBRD Environmental and Social Policy
March 4, 2014
The EBRD loan for the Kolubara lignite mine project in Serbia was approved when the forced removal of the local graveyard of the Vreoci community was already initiated and in spite of protests and appeals to the EBRD and in spite of on-going corruption investigations of the company. This case offers important lessons learned for the Environmental and Social Policy of the EBRD with regards to human rights.
European Parliament criticises Serbia’s lack of progress on renewables
February 4, 2014
Facing criticism by the European Parliament of its progress on climate friendly energy sources, the Serbian government tells Bankwatch’s member group that the future of the country’s energy system is none of their business.
EBRD soft on coal sector corruption, new analysis shows
December 9, 2013
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has been approving financing for coal projects over which corruption allegations loom, and in some cases even while official corruption investigations were underway, according to an analysis published by CEE Bankwatch Network today.
Coal and corruption – the case of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
December 9, 2013
The EBRD is about to approve a new energy strategy, yet it is unclear to what extent it will follow other public lenders in halting coal financing. In this paper we step away from the discussions on climate issues to take a look at another reason why the EBRD should be wary of investing in coal projects: corruption.
Dirty power plants in Western Balkans and Ukraine set to become EU priority
October 22, 2013
Belgrade – Several environmentally damaging coal and hydropower projects across the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova are likely to be included this Thursday on a priority list of projects of the European Commission-backed Energy Community, meaning they will be fast-tracked for financing over the next years.
Western Balkans and Ukraine: EC-backed Energy Community to prioritise coal plants that threaten EU long-term climate targets
October 22, 2013
The Western Balkans countries are aspiring to become members of the European Union. On 24 October the Ministerial Council of the EC-backed Energy Community will approve a list of priority energy infrastructure projects resulting from the Regional Energy Strategy known as Projects of Energy Community Interest (PECIs) for the Western Balkans, Moldova and Ukraine. These projects would be prioritised for fast-track approval and public financing.
Greens rejoice as Serbia coal project halted, but energy crisis looms
September 23, 2013
In Belgrade city centre, protestors stand behind a dramatic black banner depicting the outlines of two fallen bodies: “2,100 dead in Serbia. EBRD coal kills,” reads the bold yellow and red text.
Letter to EBRD directors: Ensure proper investigation into new corruption arrests at Kolubara mine
September 20, 2013
On Monday, September 9, 2013, Serbian police arrested the former director and the former financial director of the Kolubara Mining Basin, as well as a businessman and several other individuals on the basis of suspected fraud in land expropriation proceedings around the Kolubara mine. This letter asks the EBRD board of directors to ensure that the EBRD thoroughly investigates the issues around these latest arrests.
New arrests link corruption with land expropriation at Serbian Kolubara mine
September 11, 2013
Land expropriation and corruption have been two recurring themes at the Kolubara mine. This week’s arrests indicate that they are closely connected.
EBRD gives up Kolubara B lignite power plant project in Serbia
September 9, 2013
Subotica, Serbia — The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) confirmed Friday September 6 that it is no longer interested in financing the 750 MW Kolubara B lignite power plant project near Belgrade in Serbia. The project is proposed by Serbian electricity company Elektroprivreda Srbija, with Italy’s Edison as a strategic partner.
