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.
Can the international financial institutions do more to support new renewables and energy efficiency in south-east Europe?
July 1, 2010
As Europe is greening its economy and gearing up to decarbonise by 2050, most south-east European (SEE) countries still view energy efficiency and renewable energy as greens on the side of their main dish. Coal power and large hydropower are still the favourites on the menu, as they depend on indigenous resources and keep energy import dependency lower.
Bankwatch policy comments on the European Commission’s stock taking document: Towards a new energy strategy for Europe 2011-2020
June 30, 2010
Bankwatch’s comments on the European Commission’s DG Energy’s document “Towards a new energy strategy for Europe (TESE)” discusses the priorities for EU public financing we believe should be incorporated into a new energy strategy.
Comments on the EIB’s transport lending policy (updated)
June 30, 2010
The EIBs transport policy is particularly important considering the importance of transport investments in the EIB’s portfolio, as well as the transport sectors rising CO2 emissions in the EU. Bankwatch’s comments argue for a clear policy orientation towards greenhouse gas reduction in the bank’s transport lending and contrasts the EIB’s current EIB lending figures with its own claims of emphasising climate considerations.
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?
