Who wants it? Who needs it? The Vlora coastal terminal, Albania
May 19, 2008
The terminal is to be located inside the industry park near a thermo-power plant which has already received lending support from the EBRD, European Investment Bank and the World Banks International Development Association.
Environmental activity of the LUKOIL Company in Komi
May 19, 2008
In May 2007 the LUKOIL Company signed a USD 300 million loan contract with the EBRD and other multilateral banks to finance an environmental security scheme of the LUKOIL group subsidiaries. The borrowed funds were supposed to be used for implementing environmental projects by a number of company divisions including LUKOIL Komi LLC. The loan is believed to help decrease the volume of associated gas, reduce water consumption and pollutant content in sewage, arrange waste management and reconstruct industrial pipelines.
Introduction of cyanide leaching at the Chelopech gold and copper mine
May 19, 2008
The Chelopech Mining project is separated in two parts: Phase 1 focusing on environmental improvements; and Phase 2 proposing the expansion of metals production through the introduction of cyanide leaching technology. EBRD approved a USD 10 million loan for Phase 1 in 2004. Phase 2 has been under review since 2005, and there has been no progress due to the blocking of the project by the Bulgarian Ministry for the Environment and Waters at the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) stage in March 2006.
EBRD water projects in Georgia
May 19, 2008
Since Georgias independence in the early 1990s, due to financial constraints maintenance and repair works at most of the water utilities have been neglected. In order to improve the situation in the water sector, several Georgian city councils have approached the EBRD for financing. While some of the aims of the projects should be welcomed, the decision-making processes, implementation of the projects and the lack of public consultation has caused concerns about the outcomes of the projects.
Kaniv Pumped Storage Plant, Ukraine
May 19, 2008
The EBRD continues to assert the need to increase power efficiency and to develop renewable energy sources. This is why NECU are not entirely clear about the apparent readiness of the EBRD to support a project which has so many weak points and is an integral part of the national strategy that includes measures which have been criticised by the EBRDs experts. The EBRD should be making efforts to help the Ukrainian government develop a power strategy which is much more effective. It should also support projects that aim to increase energy efficiency and the independence of the Ukrainian economy.
EBRD support for ArcelorMittal Temirtau is failing to stem pollution and accidents
May 19, 2008
In 2007 the EBRD approved a USD 100 million loan for ArcelorMittal Temirtau (AMT), a metal and mining complex in the Karaganda region of Central Kazakhstan in order to support further improvements to Mittal Steel Temirtaus health and safety practices at its coal mines in Karaganda with the aim to bring them in line with international best practice.
Progress report on the ‘Gazela’ slum resettlement project – EBRD AGM Issue Paper 2008
May 17, 2008
The Gazela Bridge over the Sava River in Belgrade, Serbia, is more than thirty years old. The bridge was projected for 30000 v/day, currently is servicing more than 150000 v/day. The bridge has never been repaired and urgently needs reparation. The EBRD approved Euro 25 million loan for the reconstruction of approaching roads to Gazela Bridge to the Public Enterprise Serbian Roads.
Demir Kapija-Smokvica highway issue paper (Macedonian language)
May 16, 2008
Bankwatch Mail 36
May 16, 2008
In this issue: Why is the EBRD tacitly backing Ukraine’s nuke-centric, inefficient energy plans? * Football and PPPs do not mix * Renewables continue to get a rough ride in Georgia * Other transitions are out there – but not as the EBRD knows it * Wake up and smell ArcelorMittal – global case studies reveal who picks up the tab for steel giant * PIP squeaks again: no end in sight to info disclosure constipation at the EBRD
EBRD response to a letter regarding its involvement in Phase 2 of the Chelopech mining project
May 15, 2008
Dear Mr Popov Chelopech Mining project – phase 2 Thank you for your letter of 2 May, 2008 in which you share with us your concerns about Chelopech Mining Project (copy attached for reference).