Chinese-financed coal projects in Southeast Europe
May 15, 2018
Several EU enlargement countries in the Western Balkans – as well as EU member states Romania and Greece – plan to build new lignite power plants. In contrast, the EU aims to decarbonise its energy sector by 2050, most EU countries no longer build new
Nenskra hydropower project – May 2018 update
May 10, 2018
The banks have a responsibility to ensure that when they make an investment, they mitigate and avoid situations that put persons at risk. The Nenskra dam in Georgia is one example where the lack of proper environmental and social assessment can potenti
Low-carbon transition as it should be: three steps for the EBRD to have fewer headaches with hydropower projects
May 10, 2018
While it is positive that banks want to finance the much-needed transition away from coal towards renewable energy in the Balkans, it is crucial to ensure that the cure is not worse than the disease. Most of the projects planned in the Balkans are smal
EPS restructuring loan
May 10, 2018
Despite its commitments to increase the share of renewables under the Energy Community and reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the process of EU accession, the Serbian government seems determined to remain locked-in to a carbon intensive energy syst
The EBRD strategy for Uzbekistan
May 9, 2018
Changes in the approach to governance put forward by the President Shavkat Mirziyoyev deserve to be encouraged by the international community. It is natural that the EBRD is ready to provide support to a country willing to accelerate reforms. However,
MHP stakeholder engagement
April 14, 2018
These written comments on MHP stakeholder engagement follow a meeting between Bankwatch/NECU and MHP on 7 April 2017. Bankwatch and NECU welcomed the opportunity to meet MHP, as well as the company’s stated intention to improve the way it conducts impa
Comments on the EBRD safeguard policies
April 11, 2018
Relying on its experience in monitoring EBRD projects in recent years, Bankwatch re-assessed the EBRD Public Information Policy (PIP) and Environmental and Social Policy (ESP). EBRD Public Information Policy (PIP) 2014 General comments Specific comment
Answer to the European Commission’s reply regarding The Best Laid Plans
March 26, 2018
1. The EFSI regulation lists seven general objectives (sectors) open to funding: energy transport infrastructure and equipment research, development and innovation small, medium and small mid-cap companies information and telecommunication technology e
Response to the consultation on future Cohesion Policy in EU budget 2020-2027
March 19, 2018
The EU is facing unprecedented challenges right now, but the future Cohesion Policy can make a contribution to strengthening the rule of law, fundamental rights and the principles of democracy, while also enabling ordinary citizens and local communitie
Financing for hydropower in protected areas of southeast Europe: update
March 16, 2018
Multilateral development banks have supported no fewer than 82 hydropower projects across southeast Europe, including in protected areas. The study finds that the number of hydropower projects in the region that enjoy financial support from multilatera
