Bankwatch Mail 54
December 14, 2012
In the ‘aftergloom’ of two major inter-governmental get-togethers – the latest UN climate talks in Doha and the EU budget summit in Brussels – Bankwatch Mail 54 discusses the revision of the energy lending policies at both the EIB and the EBRD – an opportune moment for both banks to show real climate ambition and turn their backs on fossil fuels. In an interview the new EBRD president Sir Suma Chakrabarti shows that much is moving as the bank juggles such hot potatoes as potential support for Monsanto’s expansion into our region while trying to lay down new roots in post-Arab Spring north Africa.
Campaign update: Protests against Monsanto in front of Serbian EBRD office
December 3, 2012
Since the news broke in early November that the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is considering supporting Monsanto, one of the most controversial agricultural corporations, with up to USD 40 million, we have heard voices of protest from across Europe. Last Thursday, Serbian NGOs and anti-GMO activists took their protest to the Belgrade offices of the EBRD
Comments on the draft EBRD country strategy for the Russian Federation
December 3, 2012
The EBRD is updating its country strategy for the Russian Federation. Bankwatch’s inputs in the consultation focus on assessing the needs of the updated strategy in view of the political and human rights situation, issues of corruption and transparency in Russia, development impacts of the EBRD’s activities and the energy and agriculture sectors.
We will not share Monsanto’s risk – Open letter to the EBRD
November 19, 2012
Signed by more than 150 organisations, the letter calls on the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to not further consider USD 40 million unfunded risk participation in Monsanto’s portfolio in Bulgaria, Hungary, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine. The letter explains Monsanto’s long and controversial history of transferring its risks onto other people and the environment. It argues that support for this company and the agricultural model it represents is highly inappropriate for a multilateral development bank committed in its statute to promoting “environmentally sound and sustainable development”.
EU budget 2014-2020: NGO priority recommendations for the Common Strategic Framework
November 19, 2012
Environmental NGOs strongly welcome the Common Strategic Framework (CSF) as an Annex of the Common Provisions’ Regulation. It is a needed tool to ensure a proper implementation of fundamental principles and approaches of the Regulation that helps ensure that the future programmes will better contribute to reach the Europe 2020 targets, create regional green jobs, enhance economic opportunities and address environmental challenges. This briefing on the parts of the CSF which we support the most, and underlines as well several opportunities for improvements.
Ukraine nuclear power plants safety upgrade programme
November 14, 2012
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Euroatom plan to support the nuclear power plant safety upgrade project in Ukraine. The EU presents the project as a timely initiative to improve nuclear safety in the region. A closer inspection however shows that it in fact can increase nuclear risks, in that the project includes a significant number of measures necessary to extend the lifetime of the reactors.
Letter to German Chancellor Angela Merkel: Future EU budget should make use of green potential (German language)
November 12, 2012
With this letter, Bankwatch, Friends of the Earth Europe and BUND/FoE Germany, sent the map of positive EU funded projects – Well Spent – to Chancellor Merkel, asking her to continue advocating for a quick agreement on the future EU budget 2014-2020 and to ensure that the potentials of green spending are being considered in the negotiations.
Comments on the draft EBRD country strategy for Albania (2012)
November 9, 2012
The environmental center EDEN is convinced that the EBRD can play a significant role in supporting Albania’s sustainable development and the country’s integration into the European Union. Several examples of previously funded projects show that this is possible. However still the majority of funds go to big scale projects that often harm the environment and social cohesion. These comments pay special attention to EBRD financing in the energy sector.
Letters to companies shortlisted to bid for the Plomin coal power plant
November 8, 2012
Four companies have been shortlisted and invited to submit binding bids for the construction of unit C at the Plomin coal power plant in Croatia. Croatian Bankwatch member group Zelena Akcija/Green Action sent letters to all four companies with information on the legal and economic challenges of the project and the local opposition against it.
Open letter on the partnership principle in the future Cohesion Policy 2014-2020
November 6, 2012
The letter is signed by 42 organisations, reflecting an impressive diversity of stakeholders with a unanimous concern: improving not weakening the partnership principle in Cohesion Policy. Commissioners for for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion Laszlo Andor and Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn responded on behalf of the European Commission on January 18, 2013. Download their letter as pdf.
