Letter: European Commission should make use of its shareholder role in the EBRD
February 28, 2012
A look at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s investments in the Ombla hydropower plant in Croatia and the Boskov Most plant in Macedonia reveals that the EU does not make full use of its shareholder role in the Bank and allows approval of the projects that contravene EU principles and standards. Read more on our blog:
Enquiry regarding the Natura 2000 assessment process of the Ombla hydropower plant
February 27, 2012
More information on the Ombla hydropower plant project is available on our website. The EBRD replied to our enquiry on March 1, 2012. Their answer can be downloaded as pdf.
High risk of corruption in Sostanj TES 6: Report by Slovenian Commission for the Prevention of Corruption (unofficial translation)
February 23, 2012
For many years TES 6 has been surrounded by rumours of corruption. In February 2012 the Slovene State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption published a report stating that acts of corruption could have influenced the awarding of the contract to French company ALSTOM and that the law on the state guarantee itself was initially drafted by employees of HSE, the owner of the Sostanj power complex. Slovene NGO Focus Association for Sustainable Development has translated the report to English. (The original report (in Slovenian language) is available for download here (pdf).)
Comments on Romania’s application for transitional allocation of free emission allowances
February 22, 2012
Last year, the Romanian government applied for allocation of approximately 75 million tonnes of emissions allowances free of charge in the period 2013-2019. In return, our government proposed a national investment plan that includes 22 (out of 24) fossil fuel installations and would result in 36 percent of the proposed new capacity coming from coal.
Energy Security For Whom? For What?
February 16, 2012
How can fossil fuels and uranium be kept in the ground and agrofuels off the land in ways that do not inflict suffering upon millions? Mainstream policy responses to these issues are largely framed in terms of “energy security”. Yet far from making energy supplies more secure, such policies are triggering a cascade of new insecurities for millions of people.
A system of indicators for a sustainable EU Cohesion Policy
February 15, 2012
The current EU commitment to a low carbon and resource efficient economy has significantly influenced the proposed Cohesion Policy objectives for the 2014-2020 period. Besides the mobilisation of financial resources for the achievement of the Europe 2020 strategy targets, it is important that a strong focus is kept on the results of EU support. Bankwatch has therefore taken a critical look at the proposed common indicators for the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund.
Open letter to Swedish Minister of Finance: Phase out fossil fuels lending by EIB
February 15, 2012
A broad selection of Swedish NGO’s have joined Bankwatch’s call to phase out fossil fuels lending by the European Investment Bank (EIB). The open letter, sent to the Swedish Minister of Finance, Anders Borg, reminds the Swedish government that as one of the EIB’s shareholders, the country bears responsibility for how EIB resources are not sufficiently contributing to sustainable development.
Bankwatch input on EBRD country level transition indicators
February 14, 2012
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is revising its country level transition indicators, which help measuring the impacts of the bank’s lending. Bankwatch’s input comments on the EBRD’s current indicators and proposes to include indicators that more concretely could illustrate the EBRD’s impact on the environment and the lives of people in its countries of operation. Specifically, our indicators pertain to aspects of inequality, gender, labour standards, life satisfaction and resource efficiency.
Investing for the future: More jobs out of a greener EU Budget
February 8, 2012
The next European budget (2014-2020) is being decided in troubled times but such difficult timing also constitutes an opportunity. If smartly used, the next budget can help Europe improve its economic stability and create more jobs while at the same time reducing its unsustainable ecological footprint. This study reveals that investing in green sectors brings about positive employment benefits.
Comments to draft EBRD country strategy for Romania
February 3, 2012
