Funding instruments for energy efficiency and renewable resources – Basis for round table discussion
June 25, 2010
Bankwatch coordinators in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Latvia and Poland have interviewed energy and financial experts from national ministries and other institutions. This paper is a summary of their findings.
Letter to EBRD president Thomas Mirow following up on issues raised during the bank’s annual meeting
June 21, 2010
President Thomas Mirow responded to our letter on July 12, 2010. His response can be downloaded as pdf.
‘Reforming the budget, changing Europe’ – What next? – Open letter to President Barroso
June 18, 2010
The open letter, signed by members of the Coalition for Sustainable EU Funds, calls on the President of the European Commission Manuel Barroso to ensure a clear, transparent and participatory EU budget reform process that builds on the outcomes of the 2007-2008 consultation “Reforming the budget, changing Europe”, which delivered an unequivocal request for change.
Counter Balance statement on the Commission proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and the Council granting a EU guarantee to the EIB against losses under loans and guarantees for projects outside the EU
June 9, 2010
Given an array of evidence (described in this letter) that the EIB is not yet suited for a development role, and taking into account the increased onus within the Decision on development, Counter Balance strongly opposes the recommendations of the Decision that the EIB receives the €2bn optional mandate for a new climate mandate, increase its overall investments, extends the range of financial instruments offered, and undertake concessional lending by mixing EIB money with EU grants.
Bankwatch Mail 45
June 8, 2010
In this issue: Commission seeking to boost EIB development lending despite failures and lack of details * EU Budget review missing in action * Developments in development lending – what Lisbon means for EIB lending outside Europe * A non-meeting of minds once again at the EIB’s annual meeting * EU Funds: More light equals fewer shades of grey * Fossil farce a cure for Greek tragedy?
Complaint on D1 motorway Phase I, Slovak Republic seeking project compliance review
June 6, 2010
We are particularly concerned about the inadequate appraisal of environmental risks connected with the Turany – Hubova section of the D1 motorway in Slovakia, the damage so far and further potential impacts on the Natura 2000 sites and habitats of Community importance. We are convinced that the underestimation of environmental risks has led to insufficient mitigation measures resulting in a recent damage to a nature reserve by preparatory construction works.
Letter to EIB governors on the occasion of the bank’s 52nd annual meeting
May 27, 2010
The EIB’s annual meeting remains off limits for NGOs in contrast to the often fruitful discussions allowed with the staff and governing bodies of institutions like the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. This in mind, CEE Bankwatch Network and Counter Balance: Challenging the European Investment Bank have written to the EIB’s governors ahead of their 52nd annual meeting in Luxembourg.
Balkan NGO position paper on civil society monitoring of the future Transport Community South-East Europe
May 13, 2010
The paper, sent to the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) discusses the need to involve environmental civil society organisations in the development and approval of the Treaty for the establishment of the Transport community with the countries of the Western Balkans.
Bankwatch Mail 44
May 12, 2010
In this issue: EBRD own goal on coal will under-mine clean energy ambitions * Croatia: land of sun, sea and contradictory strategies * Sustainable energy mischief in Ukraine * Mining’s winners and losers on show in new film * Hopes and more fears in Central Asia * More sustainable development pipedreams? BTC shows how not to do Nabucco * Post-conflict aid to Georgia: mission accomplished or fait accompli?
Letter to EIB on the D1 motorway project outlining developments since the Complaints Offices Conclusion Report in November 13, 2009
May 11, 2010
