a BELENE chronology
October 26, 2009
A fact sheet chronologically outlining the events and developments of the Belene Nuclear Power Plant project from 1981 until October 2009.
Letter to EIB regarding the bank’s Board discussion of the South Ukraine Transmission Project
October 20, 2009
The EIB is considering approval of the loan for Ukrenergo for the South Ukraine Transmission Project. Bankwatch member group NECU, as well as other concerned NGOs and individuals, have deep misgivings about the unexpected rush of the EIB in considering this project when currently its environmental impact assessment process is still ongoing according to EBRD and Ukrainian procedures, it is still far from being positively completed.
Complaint to EIB regarding refused access to information on D1 motorway Slovakia
October 19, 2009
Bankwatch’s complaint, submitted to EIB Complaints Mechanism, addresses the lack of disclosure of documents concerning the construction of the D1 Phase I Motorway in Slovakia. This complaint follows one submitted by Bankwatch member group CEPA, Slovakia dealing with the environmental aspects of the motorway’s construction.
Letter to EIB regarding a planned loan for ArcelorMittal
October 19, 2009
The letter by NGO coalition Global Action on Arcelor Mittal (GAAM), follows the discovery of EIB considerations of a loan for steel company ArcelorMittal and informs the EIB of ArcelorMittal’s extremely poor environmental, social and transparency record in many countries. As the worlds largest steel company ArcelorMittal could access financing from other sources, and there is no added value in providing a low-interest public loan to the company. GAAM and Bankwatch therefore urge the EIB not to approve any loan to ArcelorMittal in the foreseeable future.
Fact-finding mission report on Corridor Vc motorway project, Bosnia and Herzegovina
October 19, 2009
This report details the findings from our second fact-finding mission on the Corridor Vc motorway in Bosnia and Herzegovina, carried out in September 2009. Since the last mission in March proposals for changes in the route have been approved by the government of the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina, which would avoid the problems at the tentative UNESCO World Heritage Sites Blagaj and Pocitelj.
Report from the Gazela resettlement fact-finding mission in October 2009
October 19, 2009
On 31 August 2009 the inhabitants of the Gazela informal settlement in Belgrade were resettled to temporary accommodation at four sites outside of Belgrade. After a visit conducted by partner group CEKOR in September which found a number of important issues needing to be addressed, Bankwatch carried out a follow-up fact-finding mission on 6-8 October 2009.
Letter to DG Regio and DG Envi regarding further simplification of EU funds regulations
October 19, 2009
The letter expresses the concern about potential environmental impacts and sustainability aspects of the proposal to further simplify EU funds regulations as a response to the economic crisis.
Letter to EBRD regarding South Ukraine Transmission Project
October 12, 2009
The letter is drawing attention to a number of serious deficiencies surrounding the South Ukraine Transmission Project. The project is expected to be financed by both the EBRD and EIB, but the public consultations surrounding the project have been seriously tarnished. Construction of such transmission lines potentially affects the lives and everyday business of local people. Yet, as the document shows, their access to the project information is being restricted.
CEE Bankwatch Network input for the EBRD transport sector evaluation
October 1, 2009
CEE Bankwatch Network’s inputs into the EBRDs evaluation of its work in the transport sector – an important sector but one which is the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions. As well as commenting on individual projects Bankwatch is calling on the EBRD to dramatically reduce investments in new motorways, restrict aviation investments to safety measures and air traffic management, and ensure that railway restructuring does not result in disincentives for its use such as higher prices. We are also concerned that the transition indicators used by the EBRD concentrate on
Bankwatch Mail 42
September 30, 2009
In this issue: Disclosure policy review – A glass of information half full or half empty? * Bank ‘panglosses’ over the facts with new Georgian partnership strategy * EBRD, EIB culpable of policy violations in resettling Belgrade Roma * Heat rising on international public lenders to come clean for the climate * ČEZ chez the EIB – It’s invite only to the black masque energy security fundraiser * IMF’s pro-cyclical brakes pile on the misery across central and eastern Europe * The silence of the scams no more