Bankwatch

Home > Publication search results

Publication search results

Comments to the EBRD’s draft gender strategy

Policy comments | 22 October, 2015 | Download PDF

In spite of positive elements the EBRD’s Draft Strategy for the Promotion of Gender Equality is unclear or appears to lack consistency in some parts. More importantly, the EBRD’s failure to take a rights-based approach to gender equality has resulted in a limited vision of gender equality of economic opportunity “as a key tool” for promoting efficient market transition. By making the business case for gender equality this approach may ensure stronger ownership of the Strategy by the bank, but it is a missed opportunity for aligning the Strategy with the bank’s unique Sustainable Development mandate. Without a persuasive presentation of the EBRD’s strategic approach to safeguarding gender rights, the draft of the Strategy lacks justification for choosing to promote women while refusing to protect them.


Letter to government of Namibia: request for access to information about the Tsumeb smelter

Advocacy letter | 9 October, 2015 | Download PDF

The Tsumeb smelter in Namibia belongs to Dundee Precious Metals, a Canadian company that operates and develops gold, copper and silver mines in Bulgaria, Armenia and Serbia. Investigating complaints about local pollution, Bankwatch member group Za Zemiata (BG) repeatedly requested access to environmental information from the Namibian government – to no avail. Read more about the Tsumeb smelter on our blog >>


Comments on Environmental Impact Assessment for Nenskra hydropower plant in Georgia

Policy comments | 30 September, 2015 | Download PDF

These comments on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for the Nenskra hydropower plant in Georgia concludes that the quality of the submitted report is extremely poor. The report as well as the public hearings organised during its preparation do not comply with Georgian legislation or with the requirements of International Financial Institutions.


Energy Efficiency – Just Do It! Act now for warmer homes, local jobs and cleaner air!

Study | 29 September, 2015 | Download PDF

This report explains the importance of the EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) and argues why it must have the strongest objectives and targets as possible for SEE countries.


Request for information on EIB loans to Volkswagen

Advocacy letter | 25 September, 2015 | Download PDF

Following revelations about Volkswagen cheating in emissions tests and about the European Investment Bank’s substantial support for VW – including loans for research and development of cleaner engines, Bankwatch requested information on EIB loans to the car maker. The bank provided highly insufficient responses. Read more here >>