Lessons from Kolubara for the EBRD Environmental and Social Policy
March 4, 2014
The EBRD loan for the Kolubara lignite mine project in Serbia was approved when the forced removal of the local graveyard of the Vreoci community was already initiated and in spite of protests and appeals to the EBRD and in spite of on-going corruption investigations of the company. This case offers important lessons learned for the Environmental and Social Policy of the EBRD with regards to human rights.
Aarhus and Espoo Conventions in the EBRD’s Draft Environmental and Social Policy (Bankwatch statement)
February 27, 2014
The EBRD’s current Environmental and Social Policy requires the bank to act in accordance with principles of international law on access to environmental information and participation in decision-making on issues that may have negative transboundary impacts on the environment. The new draft policy, however, transfers responsibility for meeting these commitments from the EBRD to the client.
European Structural and Investment Funds programming in Estonia – NGO assessment
February 26, 2014
The briefing is based on inputs from the Network of Estonian Non-Governmental Organisations, the Estonian Council of Environmental Organisations, the Estonian Fund for Nature, the Centre of Stockholm Environment Institute in Tallinn (a.k.a Sustainable Estonia Institute), the Estonian Green Movement-FoE Estonia, the Estonian Renewable Energy Association and CEE Bankwatch Network.
Appeal to the EBRD to freeze Ukrainian projects until government allows for a peaceful resolution of the current crisis
February 20, 2014
In light of the recent violence in Ukraine, Bankwatch is asking the EBRD, the largest foreign investor in Ukraine, to refrain from any further cooperation both on new and current projects until the government takes decisive and peaceful steps to end the escalation of the current crisis, ends human rights violations committed by government forces, shows clear commitment to settling the political crisis in a peaceful way and addresses the key concerns of the protests.
Sustainability and environmental justice in resource-rich countries
February 20, 2014
This paper makes the case for improved transparency as a prerequisite for sustainability and environmental justice in resource-rich countries. It argues that transparency is instrumental in overcoming the ‘resource curse’ in two ways: first, empowering citizens and communities to participate in decision-making, and secondly, fostering more accountable governments and corporations.
Energy Community Treaty revision – NGO policy briefing
February 20, 2014
The EU-backed Energy Community Treaty, which brings together the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova in order to integrate them with the EU energy market. Although original Treaty contains some environmental obligations for signatory countries, it pays relatively little attention to environmental and public health concerns. This in turn increases the likelihood of EU countries importing energy produced at great costs to the people and environment in accession and neighbouring countries. The current revision of the Treaty is a valuable opportunity to rectify this problem.
Letter to NEXI regarding potential insurance for Plomin coal power plant investment, Croatia
February 19, 2014
Letter to JBIC regarding potential investment in Plomin coal power plant, Croatia
February 19, 2014
Letter to EDF and Edison regarding Plomin coal power plant
February 18, 2014
This letter was sent both in English (pdf) and French (pdf).
EIB lending for the Czech Operational Programme Transport 2007-2013
February 12, 2014
The Operational Programme Transport 2007-2013 is expected to provide EUR 5.8 billion for transport projects in the Czech Republic. Of this amount, up to EUR 1.3 billion should come from the EIB via the Structural and Cohesion Funds Transport Framework Facility for 2007-2013, with some 55 percent earmarked for investments in new motorway corridors and the rest for upgrades to existing rail corridors. An analysis of the OP project showed many cases of misuse of the public funding.
