Carbon Rising: European Investment Bank energy lending 2007-2010
December 8, 2011
The study analyses energy lending by the EIB, the world’s largest public bank, since the institution launched its energy policy in 2007. While lending to renewables has increased in the period 2007-2010, support for fossil fuels has also risen, almost doubling from 2.8 billion euros in 2007 to 5 billion in 2010.
Let’s talk about IPA – the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance. A toolkit for civil society organisations
December 7, 2011
This toolkit (available in different languages) was prepared by Bankwatch partner and member groups to help civil society organisations from the Western Balkan region better understand the Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA) and to learn about EU experiences in programming of the EU funds.
Greening the Cohesion Policy: Efficient investments to deliver sustainable prosperity and jobs
December 6, 2011
Cohesion Policy plays an important role in steering local economies towards sustainability. Green investments however still remain limited in the Commission’s proposal for a reformed Cohesion Policy – a missed opportunity as it stands now. This NGO briefing suggest solutions strengthen the proposal in order to achieve the fundamental energy and environment targets for 2020.
The EBRD’s energy lending at a glance
December 5, 2011
The graphs in this briefing illustrate the EBRD’s energy lending 2006-2010. Investments in renewable energy were at least 6 times higher in the EU New Member States than in eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union. Although all EBRD countries of operation need such investments dearly, non-EU countries that are not stimulated by EU renewable energy targets arguably need the EBRD’s support even more.
Ten ways to improve the EBRD’s Sustainable Energy Initiative
December 1, 2011
The European Commission has set the goal of becoming a resource-efficient, renewables-based economy by 2050. This means a near-total decarbonisation of the EU energy sector is needed by 2050, as well as that of the industry and residential sectors. If the EBRD’s Sustainable Energy Initiative (SEI) wants to help achieving this, it has to be tightened up significantly. Bankwatch suggests 10 ways to do this. See our official comments to the EBRD’s SEI consultation here
The EIB energy policy revision process
November 30, 2011
During a meeting with civil society organisations in October 2011 the EIB announced it would begin a revision of its energy lending policy in 2012 and solicit public input. This briefing gives a brief overview over the process and the necessary changes in the bank’s energy policy that would help bringing the EIB’s energy lending in line with Europe’s climate targets.
Letter to European Commission: Suggestions to improve the financial regulation for the European Neighbourhood Instrument
November 30, 2011
Also available on our website are detailed Comments on the European Neighbourhood Policy and the forthcoming European Neighborhood Instrument.
Comments on the European Neighbourhood Policy and the forthcoming European Neighborhood Instrument
November 30, 2011
The primary goal of the EU’s neighbourhood policy should be based on an insistence on increased democracy in EU neighbourhood countries. This should happen through public participation in decision-making processes, the establishment of good governance and sustainable development practices, increased environmental protection and climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as increased welfare and social security across these countries.
Bankwatch Mail 50
November 29, 2011
Bankwatch Mail 50 contains a range of European development finance issues with a particular focus on EU Funds as we publish on the day of our Green investments to the rescue conference in Brussels.
A critical examination of the investment proposals for Unit 6 of the Sostanj power plant
November 28, 2011
Four investment plans have been produced for the Sostanj lignite fired power plant in Slovenia with many differences in calculations and outcomes. This review of the latest investment plan illustrates a number of shortcomings including both methodological mistakes and unsubstantiated claims.
