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Briefing: Centerra gold and the Kumtor gold mine, Kyrgyzstan

Advocacy letter | 14 December, 2015 | Download PDF

An update on the contentious EBRD project and its client, following a field visit by Bankwatch and partners to the mining site in October 2015


Financing for hydropower in protected areas in southeast Europe

Study | 11 December, 2015 | Download PDF

Southeast Europe is experiencing a wave of hydropower projects. In a region with a deadly combination of Europe’s last wild rivers, rampant corruption and inadequate nature protection, the potential for damage is immense. In order to address this issue, we need to know who is making it happen. This research aims – to the extent possible given the secrecy around the financial sector – to find out who are the main actors involved in financing hydropower projects in the region, both overall and inside of protected areas. Update January 2017 The EBRD has said that financing has been cancelled for four small hydropower plants in Macedonia: Zrnovska reka 1, Zrnovska reka 2, Estericka reka, Kadina reka. In addition, financing has been cancelled for the 68 MW Boskov Most plant in the Mavrovo National Park, also in Macedonia. Regarding the Ternove SHPP in Albania, the EBRD has said that it had conducted an on-site investigation into the concerns received in a letter from an affected citizen. The bank found nothing to substantiate the allegations. Bankwatch will continue to monitor the issue.


Confirmatory application for disclosure of EIB documents related to Volkswagen loans

Advocacy letter | 24 November, 2015 | Download PDF

Following the revelations around Volkswagen cheating emission tests, Bankwatch requested information from the European Investment Bank about its loans to the car maker. After some delays, the bank released only part of the requested information, despite the profound public interest in the case.


Infographic: How EU development funds fuel climate change

Leaflet | 17 November, 2015 | Download PDF

A Bankwatch research into the EU’s development funds for neighbouring regions finds that considerably more European taxpayer money is supporting fossil fuels than facilitating a sustainable energy transition. This infographic belongs to a report presented in November 2015 to the European Parliament. See the report’s excutive summary >>


Egypt case study: an EIB loan to the North Giza II power plant

Briefing | 17 November, 2015 | Download PDF

The North Giza Power Plant II, 1500 MW natural gas-fired power plant, is one of several large gas power plants that the Egyptian government is developing since 2011 in an effort to cope with the electricity gap. The power plant uses Combined Cycle Gas Turbine technology and the project promoters claim it is energy efficient, eco-friendly and community inclusive. Both the local community and the findings from a field trip strongly dispute these claims.