Lost in transition – 25 years of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
April 11, 2016
This report examines a selection of cases monitored by CEE Bankwatch Network and its partners in recent years and highlights some of the weaknesses observed in the EBRD’s approach to environmental, social, democracy and development issues. On 15 April 2016 the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will mark its 25th anniversary. This opportunity should kick-start a debate about what the London-based public bank has achieved since it started operations in 1991 and to reflect on its future.
Where the grass is less green. Public funding for energy in the European Neighbourhood Policy
April 7, 2016
Countries of the European Neighbourhood have received a boost to their energy sectors in the last decade, thanks in part to the prominent role played by the EU as a catalyst of both policy reforms and financing. This study examines EU financing for the energy sector in 16 countries of the European Neighbourhood between 2007 and 2014.
Complaint: Maladministration in the EIB’s appraisal and monitoring of the Nam Theun 2 dam in Laos
April 6, 2016
Eleven years after the European Investment Bank’s decision to support the construction of the
Declaration of local community in Kaishi to cancel contract for Georgian Khudoni dam
March 9, 2016
In this declaration, the community of Khaishi, a village in the mountains in north west Georgia, called for a the cancellation of the contract for the construction of the 700MW Khudoni dam. Khaishi residents demand the recognition of customary land rights and the inclusion of Svans into the decision-making over the project.
Putting energy efficiency first. Reframing the European Investment Bank’s action in times of transition and uncertainty
March 7, 2016
The study shows how the European Investment Bank (EIB) has valid reasons to start embracing the energy efficiency first principle and implement it in its lending decision: significant energy savings will be needed regardless of the climate mitigation route taken and to enable the proper roll out of its climate strategy and lead the energy transition. The study looks at how the EIB can do this through its lending policies and financial decisions.
Legal analysis: application of chapter II of the Industrial Emissions Directive in the Energy Community
February 29, 2016
This brief analysis provides a basic overview of how Chapter II and related annexes (esp Annex I) of the EU Directive 2010/75/EU (Industrial Emissions Directive, hereinafter also IED) could be included as part of the legally binding framework of the Energy Community.
Prospects for implementing air quality directives in the Energy Community
February 29, 2016
Among the acts that introduce instruments and regulations for environmental protection into the Energy Community Treaty instruments relating to air quality protection are clearly missing.
Briefing on Nenskra hydropower plant for the European Investment Bank
February 25, 2016
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is in the early stage of assessing a loan for the 280 megawatt Nenskra hydropower plant, located on the Nenskra and Nakra rivers in the Caucasus mountain valleys inhabited by ethnic Svans. The poor quality assessment of the project, together with the neglect of the opinion of locals, threatens to aggravate the fading public acceptance of hydropower. With this project, the EIB and other potential international financiers have a chance to insist on changes to the imprudent course hydropower developments have taken in Georgia and to request tighter environmental and social regulations.
Complaint: non-compliance of the European Investment Bank’s Transparency Policy with EU and international law
February 16, 2016
This complaint, filed by Bankwatch, Client Earth and Counter Balance with the European Investment Bank’s complaint mechanism, addresses non-compliance of the European Investment Bank’s Transparency Policy with EU and international law on access to information.
EFSI case study: Integrated clean energy project ‘third industrial revolution’ in Nord-Pas-de-Calais
February 12, 2016
The so-called European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI) should unlock additional investment of at least EUR 315 bn over a three year period (2015-2018). One of the projects benefiting from the loans is the intended “third industrial revolution” in Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France, which incorporates numerous smaller projects all working for the same goal: A zero carbon energy system for the entire region. The particular financing mix could potentially serve as a good example for an investment platform under EFSI.
