Bankwatch comments on the EBRD draft financial sector strategy
August 16, 2010
The new draft financial sector strategy of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is of even greater importance during this difficult financial period, but it leaves a number of concerns and open questions unanswered which Bankwatch raises in this document, among others regarding foreign currency lending and lending through financial intermediaries, transition and the role of private equity, gender impacts, tax havens, etc.
Letter to EBRD Chief Economist Erik Berglof regarding the bank’s concept of transition and transition impact
August 11, 2010
Bankwatch is concerned about a lack of opportunities for public engagement in the process of redefining transition and transition impact at the EBRD. We therefore ask how the bank is planning to proceed with following up on a report prepared for the EBRD on Transition and Transition Impact (pdf) and what opportunities are planned for public consultation on the transition concept.
EIB response regarding violent clashes in the Khimki forest connected to the Moscow – St.Petersburg motorway
August 9, 2010
Letter calling on European Commission not to grant Community Guarantee for Moscow-St.Petersburg motorway through Khimki Forest
August 4, 2010
EBRD response letter regarding violent clashes in the Khimki forest connected to the Moscow-St.Petersburg motorway
July 27, 2010
Letter to EBRD and EIB regarding violent clashes in the Khimki forest connected to the Moscow-St.Petersburg motorway
July 26, 2010
On the morning of July 22, members of civil society were attacked by scores of unidentified assailants. The police, called to the scene by the protestors, chose not to interfere. Reports from the ground indicate that clashes continued before the passively observing police eventually arrested local activists.
Letter to EIB and EBRD regarding the logging of trees in the protected Khimki Forest
July 18, 2010
Where are the billions getting lost? Planning and financing of transport infrastructure in Czech republic. Problem analysis and proposals for solutions (in Czech language)
July 15, 2010
Conclusion Report by EIB Complaints Office on Bankwatch’s complaint regarding Gazela bridge rehabilitation project Belgrade, Serbia
July 14, 2010
The report confirms Bankwatchs allegations that EIB did not pay sufficient attention during the project assessment: the severe social impact of the project should have led the EIBs competent services to exercise a cautious and targeted social assessment with a view to pro-actively identifying (and therefore promptly addressing) the major social concerns during the appraisal of the projects, while EIB documents do not contain any documental evidence of an appropriate identification of the social issues at stake.
Letter to EIB denouncing misconduct of Belgrade authorities in the Sava crossing resettlement process, Belgrade
July 2, 2010
The protest letter, sent by the Regional Centre for Minorities and Bankwatch member group Center for Ecology and Sustainable Development (CEKOR), describes recent incidents of threats and assault on families to be resettled to allow for a road construction. Belgrade authorities have apparently not improved their approach following the poor Gazela resettlement process. The letter calls upon the EIB to demand proper resettlement preparation and planning, including the participation of affected families.