Spot the difference: Alstom in Indonesia and Slovenia
July 31, 2012
The company hired to build a new unit at the Sostanj lignite power plant is involved in strikingly similar corruption cases across continents.
State guarantee vote for TES 6 overshadowed by OLAF corruption investigation
July 20, 2012
A state guarantee law supporting the construction of a 600 MW lignite plant at Sostanj in Slovenia (TES 6) was passed this week despite allegations of corruption against the management of the company remaining unsettled. Even more, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) recently opened an official investigation into TES 6. (1)
OLAF decision to investigate corruption at TES 6
July 19, 2012
The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) decided to start an official investigation into the case of the Sostanj lignite power plant in Slovenia due to serious concerns about corruption and conflicts of interests in the granting of the contract to the company Alstom. (Information on OLAF staff has been blackened on request by the Office.)
Complaint to EBRD on Kolubara lignite mine project
July 10, 2012
The communities in Vreoci request the EBRD to suspend the loan for the Kolubara lignite mine because of the project company’s failure to meet performance requirements regarding: – community health, safety and security – information disclosure and stakeholder engagement – land acquisition and resettlement – environmental and social appraisal management – pollution prevention and abatement
Lonely advocacy at Kolubara lignite mine
June 28, 2012
On a visit to the Kolubara mining complex in Serbia, Bankwatch staff was denied a meeting with the mining company, because of them caring for the environment.
Comments and recommendations on the EBRD Draft Mining Strategy
June 23, 2012
(Download a short version of these comments as pdf.) As it is now, the EBRD foresees growth in the mining sector and sees its involvement as crucial in this process. At the same time the Bank recognizes that mining can cause significant adverse environmental and social impacts, including permanent ones, and that no single mine can be sustainable since it exploits a finite local resource.
Environmental study for illegal coal plant gets thumbs up in Croatia
June 21, 2012
The Plomin “C” coal power plant in Croatia is illegal – so why has its environmental impact assessment been given the thumbs up?
Hunger strike begins in protest of cemetery removal at EBRD coal mine in Serbia
May 30, 2012
Belgrade – An official from the southern Serbian town of Vreoci has begun a hunger strike on Monday to protest against what he considers the unlawful exhumation of a local cemetery to make way for coal extraction at the nearby Kolubara mine. Last year the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development approved a loan of 80 million euros to support the expansion of lignite mining at Kolubara.
EBRD energy lending report: conflicting investments end up contradicting climate science
May 17, 2012
London – Almost half of the 6.7 billion euros lent by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) between 2006-2011 goes to support for fossil fuels, according to a report issued today by CEE Bankwatch Network. Support for coal, oil and gas must be discontinued altogether, argues Bankwatch, if the bank’s commendable efforts on increasing financing for renewables and energy efficiency are to have a positive impact in the global fight against climate change.
Corruption cases put EBRD due diligence in the spotlight
May 14, 2012
In recent months bribery and money laundering allegations levelled at a former EBRD banker, as well as revelations that an EBRD staffer, now suspended, is one of the founders of the far-right, racist organisation the English Defence League have not made for great PR for the EBRD.
