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Aarhus and Espoo Conventions in the EBRD’s Draft Environmental and Social Policy (Bankwatch statement)

Policy comments | 27 February, 2014 | Download PDF

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

Briefing | 26 February, 2014 | Download PDF

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

Advocacy letter | 20 February, 2014 | Download PDF

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

Study | 20 February, 2014 | Download PDF

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

Briefing | 20 February, 2014 | Download PDF

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.