Comments on the EBRD’s draft country strategy for Estonia
September 19, 2012
The comments, prepared by Estonian Green Movement/Friends of the Earth Estonia, focus on EBRD financing in the energy sector.
The conflict of mining and water resources in Kyrgyzstan
September 18, 2012
Kyrgyzstan is a mountainous country rich in water and natural resources. It hosts one of the Earth’s most important ecological regions with unique ecosystems and biodiversity and is considered the “water tower” of Central Asia due to its Tien Shan glacier reserves. At the same time, mining operations and the mismanagement of natural resources are increasing the threats posed by climate change and pollution.
No half measures – Investment needs in energy efficiency and renewables in the CEE countries
September 13, 2012
The study offers an overview of estimated investment needs of CEE countries and compares them with the amounts currently earmarked for low-carbon economy, energy efficiency and renewables in the European Commission proposals on Cohesion policy and the Multi-annual Financial Framework.
Letter to EBRD: Potential ENEA loan is connected to corruption allegations and a coal power plant
September 13, 2012
The letter describes the controversies connected to a potential EBRD loan to Polish energy company ENEA. (Find more information on our blog.)
EU budget 2014-2020: Implementing the climate commitment
September 10, 2012
To reach the EU agreed climate and energy targets by 2020, the European Commission states that at least 20% of the future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2014-2020 should support climate action. The Coalition for a Sustainable EU budget strongly supports this initiative and ask to increase it to 25% of the next MFF. In order to have a proper legal basis, this commitment should be included in the Negotiating Box and in the Inter-Institutional Agreement.
EU Budget for everyone – The people’s guide to the financial programming of the European Union
August 15, 2012
An illustrated and comprehensible introduction to the European Union’s budget, the decision making that leads to it, the impacts it has on our societies and the role that people can play in the process. On eight pages, this guide answers the basic and not so basic questions regarding the EU’s financial framework.
Bankwatch letter to EBRD on the transparency of the mining strategy review process
August 3, 2012
Following up on a meeting between the EBRD President Sir Suma Chakrabarti and civil society groups monitoring the bank taking place July 23 in London, Bankwatch sent the new EBRD president a letter outlining civil society organisations’ concerns over the lack of transparency of the mining strategy review process as well as some recommendations for improving this situation.
EU budget 2014-2020: Implementing climate commitment and tracking climate spending
July 30, 2012
This comprehensive briefing offers detailed comments and suggestions on how climate action should and can be implemented and mainstreamed in the future spending period of the EU budget.
OLAF decision to investigate corruption at TES 6
July 19, 2012
The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) decided to start an official investigation into the case of the Sostanj lignite power plant in Slovenia due to serious concerns about corruption and conflicts of interests in the granting of the contract to the company Alstom. (Information on OLAF staff has been blackened on request by the Office.)
Greens call for active efforts by European Commission to ensure an improved EBRD mining strategy
July 12, 2012
The letter by the Green members of the European Parliament calls for active efforts of the EU representative at the European Bank for Reconstructoin and Development to ensure that the bank’s new mining strategy endorses EU principles and standards for resource efficiency, biodiversity protection, poverty eradication, inclusive growth, transparency and public participation in the mining projects the EBRD supports.