Bankwatch Mail 35
April 28, 2008
In this issue: Bottom line additionality in Kazakhstan as more miners die * Campaign successes amidst the Black Weeks * New map of projects points the way to environmental and social justice in CEE * Feeding the Asian Tigers: Lack of environmental teeth in ADB’s energy strategy * Counter Balance: Challenging the European Investment Bank * European Parliament looks for more added value from the EIB * Energy Matters: new Bankwatch report and film explore big industry developments in Albania * Going nuclear: the EIB’s waiting game continues * EBRD crackdown on “open markets” in Ukraine * They’ll
Comments on the EBRD draft environmental and social policy and performance requirements
April 15, 2008
Letter to Varel Freeman, First vice president of banking sector in EBRD
April 9, 2008
Dear Mr. Freeman, Very recently I have learned that you are planning to visit my country, Macedonia, to discuss energy projects.
Energy Matters: the Vlora coastal terminal. Fact-finding mission report on energy and industry developments in Vlora, Albania
April 5, 2008
The report summerises the findings of a recent Bankwatch and partner NGO fact-finding mission to Albania, in which meetings with the Albanian authorities, IFIs, investors and affected communities provided insights into large industrial and energy developments in the region.
Photo report inspecting construction on the main pipeline for the Sakhalin II project in the Dolinsky District of the Sakhalin Region
April 3, 2008
EBRD Independent Recourse Mechanism review – Stakeholder Consultation and Disclosure Plan
March 14, 2008
Demir Kapija- Smokvica Environmental Impact Assessment part 2
March 2, 2008
Demir Kapija- Smokvica Environmental Impact Assessment part 1
March 2, 2008
EBRD financed Tbilisi Public Transport Project
March 1, 2008
Tbilisi, with a population of more than 1.5 million people, manifests all the signs of environmental stress – poor air quality, excessive noise, traffic congestion, loss of green areas and degradation of historical buildings and monuments. Road transport is responsible for an increasing share of total air emissions, their contribution rising from some 70 percent in 1991 to about 91 percent in 2005. In July 2005, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development lent EUR 3 million to the "Municipal Auto Transport Company Ltd".
The Gilgel Gibe affair: an analysis of the Gilbel Gibe hydroelectric projects in Ethiopia
February 28, 2008
The study illustrates the dangers that accompany large energy infrastructure projects whenever the interests of a major private company coincide not only with weak governance in the host country but also very clear willingness from financial institutions to provide funding, in spite of alarming project oversights and impacts. The study shows how goals to eradicate poverty and support local communities can be easily compromised when major corporations and/or political elites are intent on maximising profits.
