Whether in Europe or beyond, public money must not become an auxiliary for human rights violations or the marginalisation of affected communities.
We expose cases where development banks fail to protect those impacted by their projects.
We advocate for participation and consultation processes that are not pro-forma exercises, but a tool to ensure people’s well-being.
We run a helpdesk where activists and communities can get advice on how to challenge controversial projects being considered for funding by development banks.
Close to frontline communities
We’re in direct contact with affected communities and provide updates from their struggles.
Image (c) Rosa Vroom
IN FOCUS
The Reconstruction of Ukraine
The scale of destruction caused by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has been staggering. To repair the damage, joint efforts to coordinate donations and properly plan Ukraine’s reconstruction must start as soon as possible.
A successful reconstruction of Ukraine cannot happen without involvement of the Ukrainian people. That’s why we’re calling on international donors to ensure that the financial structures to help impacted communities are put in place and that civil society groups have a say in this process.
We believe that Ukraine and the international community have a unique opportunity to modernise the country while addressing people’s needs and long-term sustainability.
Amulsar gold mine, Armenia
The controversial Amulsar gold mine near the touristic spa town of Jermuk was supported by the EBRD equity investments, but blocked by locals after the velvet revolution in 2018. In spite of a number of legal threats and intimidation by the company, the blockade continued till the eruption of military conflict overNagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) at the end of 2020.
Myronivsky Hliboproduct (MHP), Ukraine
The leading Ukrainian agribusiness giant has been enjoying generous support in public funds and national subsidies. With over half a billion euros from the EBRD, EIB and the IFC, Myronivsky Hliboproduct PJSC (MHP) has grown into a near monopolist in poultry production. While MHP’s vertically integrated model has contributed to its status as a leading Ukrainian agribusiness, the scale and nature of its business have also contributed to mounting concerns about its social and environmental impacts. These concerns are compounded by patterns of poor community consultation and a lack of information provided about MHP’s operations, leaving project-affected people guessing about the true impacts of its operations.
Corridor Vc motorway, Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Bosnian section of the international Corridor Vc is planned to run for 330 km through Bosnia and Herzegovina. Concerns about environmental impacts and threats to cultural heritage were raised by local people and cultural figures. The public discussions about the project have led to a series of scandals and a deadlock of the motorway’s development.
More of our projects
Georgia’s East–West and North–South road projects: Counting the true costs of highway expansion
The East–West Highway and the North–South Corridor – two key road infrastructure projects supported by major multilateral development banks, have had devastating social, environmental and cultural impacts in Georgia.
Indorama Agro: Uzbekistan’s infamous cotton producer
Despite being Uzbekistan’s largest cotton producer and receiving millions in development loans from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) – institutions that promote modernisation and corporate responsibility – Indorama Agro faces multiple complaints of worker mistreatment and retaliation.
Zarafshan, Bash and Dzhankeldy wind projects, Uzbekistan
The first large wind projects in the Central Asian country are being built in biodiversity hotspots and hinder the declaration of protected areas. The IFC, EBRD and ADB need to ensure that some of the most problematic turbines are moved away.
Latest news
With EU funds in Romania, where there is a will, there is a way
Blog entry | 18 June, 2018This story represents one of the few successful examples in Romania but should serve as an inspiration for all the mayors and representatives of the Romanian authorities. Nobody says it’s going to be a smooth sailing when dealing with accessing European funds, but it is important to have well-prepared personnel, a vision for sustainable development and last, but not least, a desire to make positive changes in your community.
Read moreAt 60, EU public bank needs fundamental reform – civil society groups
Press release | 18 June, 2018The European Investment Bank (EIB) needs to end its investment in fossil fuels and boost support for sustainable energy, reinforce its public accountability, and prioritise human rights, a group of 21 European NGOs write in a letter to EU finance ministers.
Read moreHydropower threatens Balkan rivers, campaigners say
Bankwatch in the media | 17 June, 2018Over the next few years, 3,000 hydropower plants could be built in the Balkan region. Environmentalists say the plans threaten rivers from Slovenia to Albania, considered to be some of the last wild rivers in Europe. Source: Hydropower threatens Balkan
Read moreRelated publications
Bankwatch comments on the EBRD’s draft 2026–2030 Gender Equality and Human Capital Strategy
Policy comments | 13 April, 2026 | Download PDFIn its policy comments, the CEE Bankwatch Network explains that, given the stagnation or even reversal of global progress in this area, the Strategy must be more ambitious and effective. The EBRD must strengthen implementation, targets and accountability in order to translate its commitments into tangible, inclusive outcomes for women and underserved groups.
Civil society proposals for amendments to the Ukraine Plan in light of the Ukraine Support Loan
Policy comments | 18 March, 2026 | Download PDFWe welcome the EU’s continued commitment to supporting Ukraine and meeting its financial requirements through existing financial mechanisms and the additional EUR 90 billion Ukraine Support Loan, which will cover Ukraine’s budgetary needs and ensure investment in the defence sector throughout 2026 and 2027. The loan serves as a vital complement to the support provided by the EU under both the G7 ERA Loans initiative and the Ukraine Facility. We also welcome its concessional design and the intention for interest costs to be covered by the EU budget.
Inclusive waste governance in practice: Report from a fact-finding mission in Berat, Albania
Report | 18 March, 2026 | Download PDFThis report presents the pilot as a successful initiative and a transferable case study that can inform policy and donor programming, as well as future replication in other Albanian municipalities and beyond.
