Kumtor gold facilities, Kyrgyzstan: Comments on water, environmental and related issues
January 31, 2012
This report, authored by hydrogeologist and geochemist Dr. Robert Moran, reveals that Canadian company Centerra Gold, owner and operator of the Kumtor gold mine, has been contaminating local waters and glaciers while hiding evidence of such negative impacts from public oversight.
Kumtor gold mine, Kyrgyzstan. Bringing risks to regional water systems
January 31, 2012
The briefing summarises findings of a report, authored by hydrogeologist and geochemist Robert Moran. The report reveals that Canadian company Centerra Gold, owner and operator of the Kumtor Mine, has been contaminating local waters and glaciers while hiding evidence of such negative impacts from public oversight.
Spirited away – Mongolia’s mining boom and the people that development left behind
January 30, 2012
The report, based on a fact finding mission to the Tavan Tolgoi and Oyu Tolgoi mines in Mongolia, examines the social and environmental impacts of mining in Mongolia. It offers a more in-depth look at the impacts on herders who have been displaced by the mining operations, the local effects of the construction of infrastructure and the mining operations themselves.
Recommendations to achieve a sustainable Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020
January 23, 2012
The 2014-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework (EU budget) will be a decisive tool for Europe to demonstrate that it can achieve economic and social prosperity by committing to a decarbonised, resource and energy-efficient and socially just economy. This briefing recommends to further strengthen the European Commission’s budget proposal by shifting allocations and spending priorities to sectors of the green economy, eventually helping to create more jobs and future proof green markets.
Letter to European Commission: Insufficient environmental assessment of Ukraine NPP Safety Upgrade Programme
January 20, 2012
The letter criticises the environmental assessment of the Nuclear power plants safety upgrade programme (SUP) in Ukraine. It concludes that the assessment insufficient and does not fully elaborate the objectives and consequences of the SUP.
Complaint to EBRD’s Public Complaint Mechanism: The Sostanj thermal power plant project
January 17, 2012
Bankwatch, Slovenian NGO Focus and Environmental Legal Service (CZ) ask the EBRD’s Project Complaint Mechanism to undertake a compliance review of whether the bank has complied with its Environmental and Social Policy 2008 in relation to two aspects of the Sostanj lignite thermal power plant: (a) Claims by the EBRD that the project in question is “CCS ready” and (b) the EBRD’s assessment of whether Slovenia can fulfil its obligations in meeting long-term EU climate goals if it undertakes the project.
EIB response to Bankwatch study ‘Carbon rising: European Investment Bank energy lending 2007-2010’
January 16, 2012
The European Investment Bank responded to the study Carbon Rising: European Investment Bank energy lending 2007-2010 in which Bankwatch analysed the energy lending by the EIB since the institution launched its energy policy in 2007. Bankwatch’s rejoinder to the EIB’s letter can also be downloaded as pdf.
The Ukrainian nuclear power plant safety upgrade project and the EBRD’s contribution to extending outdated Soviet reactors
January 15, 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.
Future Cohesion Policy: Amendments for a sustainable EU Budget
January 10, 2012
The Coalition for a sustainable EU Budget advocates that a number of amendments to the Commission legislative proposal concerning the next Cohesion Policy funds should be supported by the European Parliament and Council if the next EU regional funds are to play any significant role in the transition towards a low-carbon, sustainable European economy.
Complaint to EBRD’s Public Complaint Mechanism: Rivne-Kyiv High Voltage Line project
January 10, 2012
The loan agreement between Ukraine and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for the Rivne-Kyiv High Voltage Line project (connected to the controversial “Second Backbone Corridor”) included significant parts of the project that were not assessed in the obligatory environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) prior to project approval.
