Fracking: What every Tunisian should know
January 31, 2015
The first instance of shale gas extraction with hydraulic fracturing in Tunisia took place in March 2010 and since then Tunisia actively supports this method. Former prime minister Mehdi Jomaa (who once worked for a subsidiary of oil company Total) said in September 2014 that his government is determined to explore shale gas and that critics will not stop Tunisia pursuing its extraction.
Letter to EIB directors: EIB final draft of transparency policy is insufficient
January 27, 2015
One week before the European Investment Bank’s board of directors is expected to approve the bank’s new transparency policy, 13 civil society groups warn the EIB’s directors that the draft policy amounts to a weakening of the already dismal transparency standards of the EU’s house bank.
Pipe dreams – why public subsidies for Lukoil in Azerbaijan will not reduce EU dependency on Russia
January 21, 2015
The study explains why the Southern Gas Corridor, the EU’s new pet energy project, is not only unnecessary in light of gas demand projections, but also seems likely to fall short on the much flaunted goal of bringing energy independence from Russia.
Environmental Impact Assessment in focus – A tool to promote democracy and environmental protection
December 26, 2014
The Environmental Impact Assessment process is an important tool for the public in both the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA) and the Eastern Partnership region (EaP) to ensure fully fledged public participation. Knowing the general jargon of the EIA process and understanding its structure, functions and aims, provides the public with a great opportunity to ensure its right to participation and to influence decision-making. This publication aims to bring this knowledge to those who can benefit from it.
Complaint towards EBRD against Mongolian company Altain Khuder and its Tayan Nuur iron ore mine
December 23, 2014
The complaint, filed by seven individuals affected by the mine on 23 December 2014 at the EBRD’s Project Complaint Mechanism (PCM), alleges that the environmental and social impacts of Altain Khuder’s mine are inconsistent with EBRD’s policies. Herders have brought these impacts to the attention of the company on numerous occasions but rather than solving the problems the company has reacted with intimidation and legal action.
Proposed Lukoil EBRD loan – for whose benefit?
December 22, 2014
Despite the Russian invasion in Ukraine leading to EU and US sanctions against Moscow and major Russian energy companies, public banks supported by EU countries are gearing up to offer almost a billion dollars in financial support to Russian company Lukoil for gas extraction in Azerbaijan.
Toolkit on the Project Complaint Mechanism of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
December 22, 2014
The Project Compliance Mechanism (PCM) is the EBRD’s accountability mechanism for the assessment and follow-up of complaints about project financed by the bank. The PCM is a grievance mechanism for civil society, local groups and individuals that may be directly and adversely affected by a bank project. It’s purpose is to help identify when the EBRD or its client has not fulfilled the obligations defined in the bank’s policies and to facilitate a problem-solving process with the EBRD’s client.
Partners’ involvement during EU funds programming: left-out on crucial questions
December 19, 2014
As the negotiations on the EU funds for 2014-2020 are coming to an end, NGO partners from CEE countries conclude on their involvement during the “programming”, the process of elaboration and consultation of the future EU Cohesion Policy spending plans. Whereas some improvements compared to the previous period can be stated, an even formal compliance with the European Code of Conduct on Partnership is not always guaranteed.
Letter to the European Commission and the EIB regarding the EFSI investment fund
December 16, 2014
This letter, sent by a group of NGOs from the Green 10 and Counter Balance coalitions, calls on the Juncker Commission and the European Investment Bank to apply principles of transparency and sustainability for the EUR 315 billion investment package.
Complaint against Bosnia and Herzegovina for failure to comply with Energy Community law
December 16, 2014
In the Republika Srpska entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, approximately 150 km east of Banja Luka, Comsar Energy Republika Srpska (CERS) is planning to build the 2×300 MW Ugljevik 3 lignite fired power plant. This complaint outlines aspects of the Energy Community law that the plant would breach if constructed.
