Borrowed life: Asian Development Bank projects failing Uzbeks
March 13, 2012
Under its new Country partnership strategy (CPS) for Uzbekistan to commence this year, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will be guided by the evolving development needs of Uzbekistan, as well as the long-term ADB strategic framework for 2008-2020.
State Commission warns of corruption and illegality at Šoštanj
March 13, 2012
Fresh controversy hit the proposed 600 MW lignite power plant at Šoštanj in Slovenia in late February when the Slovenian State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption issued a report in which it says corruption conditions existed at the time of the awarding of the construction contract to French company Alstom and continue to exist today. The Commission report also states that Slovenian lobbying legislation has been breached by the goings-on at Šoštanj.
Welcoming letter to the new EIB president
March 12, 2012
The Counter Balance EIB coalition has welcomed Werner Hoyer, the new president of the EIB, to his new post.
Critical Review of the Ukraine NPP Safety Upgrade Program
March 8, 2012
This expert review of Ukraine’s Nuclear Power Plant Safety Upgrade Program, that’s to be financed by Euratom and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development shows that some of the measures included in the SUP are necessary for the lifetime expansion of the plants and not for their regular functioning until the initially planned term.
Open letter to prime minister of Montenegro in support of MANS
March 8, 2012
Montenegro’s Network for Affirmation of NGO Sector (MANS) is being heavily criticised by the government because of its advocacy on electricity prices. Bankwatch sent this letter of support to Montenegro’s prime minister.
COGEN Slovakia, Cogeneration in Povazsky Chlmec
March 7, 2012
The new greenfield gas cogeneration power plant COGEN in north Slovakia is planned to produce power and heat. Located in Považský Chlmec, a town in the Žilina district, the new plant would further deteriorate the quality of life of locals, who have for decades been suffering from the negative impacts of a nearby waste disposal site and nearby highway.
Polish Climate Coalition letter to prime minister: Don’t block more ambitious climate targets
March 7, 2012
With regards to a EU Council for Environment on March 9, 2012 that will include a discussion on “A Roadmap for moving to a competitive low-carbon economy in 2050”, 22 Polish environmental groups asked the Polish government not to block EU’s acceptance for taking a more ambitious targets in GHG reduction.
Letter to rapporteurs for the Common Provisions Regulation of the future Cohesion Policy
March 2, 2012
The letter, sent by the Coalition for a sustainable EU Budget, includes discussion points that are crucial for the future Cohesion Policy regulations. Now, during the ongoing debates in the European Parliament, it is the role of MEPs to ensure that the EU becomes a resource efficient low-carbon economy, shifting Europe’s regions on a sustainable path.
Destroying future NATURA 2000 sites in the Balkans. The European Commission’s role in steering the EBRD’s investments
March 1, 2012
The letter complains about the EU’s negligence of its shareholder role in the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and its lack of scrutiny of two recently approved projects that are set to contravene EU principles and standards: the Ombla hyrdopower plant in Croatia and the Boskov Most HPP in Macedonia.
Confirmatory application regarding disclosure of results of the interservice consultation for Ombla hydropower plant
February 29, 2012
The EBRD’s Board of Directors approved the Ombla hyrdopower plant project on 22 November 2011, before an assessment had been carried out regarding the project’s impact on a proposed Natura 2000 site. In addition the project is being carried out on the basis of an Environmental Impact Assessment study from 1999, whose content may not fully reflect the requirements of EU legislation in this area.
