Streamlining environmental assessment procedures for Projects of Common Interest (PCIs)
July 15, 2014
This briefing outlines the environmental legislation related to investments that have been designated as Projects of Common Interest (PCIs). Through this briefing we explain for a range of stakeholders – namely civil society organizations (CSOs), local municipalities and national authorities – what are the PCIs and why these audiences should ensure that these projects do not cause undue environmental damage.
Briefing: Turceni coal power plant rehabilitation
July 12, 2014
While it may seem to be an environmental project at a quick glance, there are a number of facts that question the justification of the Turceni unit 6 rehabilitation project. The Turceni unit 6 project isn’t just a rehabilitation of the power plant unit, it is part of a county-wide operation with ignored social and environmental impacts. The immediate question is whether this is it really a pollution reduction project.
Letter: EBRD flood response in Serbia should diversify away from lignite
July 7, 2014
This letter, co-signed by Serbian, regional and international NGOs and sent to the Board of Directors of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development ask whether in the aftermath of the recent floods in the western Balkans, the EBRD’s response will prop up Serbia’s coal sector or whether it will ensure that its post-flood assistance is used for much needed residential energy efficiency improvements and sustainable renewable energy.
Civil society recommendations for the European Investment Bank’s transparency policy
July 1, 2014
As the EIB prepares the review of its 2010 transparency policy, the signatories of this letter convey key positions and concerns regarding the policy and how we believe it needs to be amended.
State support to the Kostolac coal power plant and mining basin in Serbia
June 30, 2014
This report by the Belgrade-based Center for Research, Transparency and Accountability – CRTA shows that the Serbian government is supporting the Kostolac coal power plant and mines with loan guarantees and potentially VAT exemptions.
Winners and losers – Who benefits from high-level corruption in the South East Europe energy sector
June 24, 2014
Energy is one of the biggest economic sectors in south-eastern Europe and is set to grow even further with the region moving closer to the EU. The region has high potential for energy efficiency and sustainable renewable energy investments. Yet, as this study illustrates with a number of examples, countries have shown little ability to absorb investments at a large scale without systemic corruption and patronage. See also an interactive map with summaries for each case at https://bankwatch.org/SEE-energy-corruption
Руководство по Европейскому инструменту соседства и Международным финансовым организациям
June 23, 2014
В контексте обновленного подхода к Европейской политике соседства (ЕПС), очерченного в совместном коммюнике от 25 мая 2011 года, к 2014 году новый финансовый инструмент, а именно Европейский инструмент соседства (ЕИС), станет ключевым финансовым инструментом для 16 стран-партнеров к востоку и югу от границ ЕС (Алжир, Армения, Азербайджан, Беларусь, Египет, Грузия, Израиль, Иордания, Ливан, Ливия, Молдова, Марокко, Оккупированная Палестинская территория, Сирия, Тунис и Украина). В этом же коммюнике говорится о новом походе к расширенному внешнему мандату ЕИБ для восточных и южных соседей, а также расширении мандата ЕБРР на отдельные страны Средиземноморского региона.
Recommendations for the Improvement the PCI Designation Process and the Public Consultation
June 23, 2014
On the basis of the TEN-E regulation 12 strategic priority corridors for energy infrastructure with a cross-border dimension have been identified. A list of Projects of Common Interests (PCIs) has been approved by European Commission in October 2013. Yet, the consultation process of the first PCI list has been far from perfect and the list has been challenged in court by the NGO coalition Justice and Environment (J
Kyrgyzstan: a song in the mountains
June 20, 2014
‘Kyrgyzstan: a song in the mountains’ is photographic travelogue to the source of the nomadic Kyrgyz people, their traditions and environment. The book explores people’s relationship to the Kumtor gold mine in the mountains of Central Asia, which is slowly degrading the environment of the area. The reader takes a journey past high mountain lakes, the lost caravanserai of the Great Silk Road and developing farms. Farmers and mountain locals tell the traveler secrets about the lives of their ancestors and their hopes for the future of this beautiful place.
No public money for mega-gas pipeline projects – Projects of Common Interest for gas imports will be harmful
June 12, 2014
Projects aimed at increasing EU gas imports, included in the European Commission’s Projects of Common Interest (PCI) would surpass the five scenarios of the EC’s own Energy Roadmap 2050 which all foresee an overall decrease in gas imports. Additionally, they would support authoritarian regimes which repeatedly violate human rights and limit space for democratic expression.
