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
EU finances scrap reactors
Bankwatch in the media | 29 June, 2011http://www.wdr.de/themen/global/webmedia/webtv/getwebtv.phtml?ref=25191
Read moreIFC Funding for Paravani HPP
Bankwatch in the media | 23 June, 2011European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and International Finance Corporation (IFC) will provide USD 115.5 million credit to finance construction of 87 MW Paravani hydro power plant in the south-west of Georgia.
Read morePublic finance for mining must bring more than a mirage of development benefits in Mongolian desert
Press release | 13 June, 2011Ulan Baatar, Mongolia – Civil society groups are demanding that investments from international financial institutions to extract resources in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert guarantee that livelihoods are protected for those living near the mines and profit windfalls are used as an impetus to social and economic development for the region.
Read moreRelated publications
Bankwatch’s comments on the EBRD Project Accountability Policy and Independent Project Accountability Mechanism
Policy comments | 25 May, 2026 | Download PDFThe European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is currently revising its Project Accountability Policy. In this context, Bankwatch is calling for a stronger policy framework that includes clear provisions for remedying harm, enhanced monitoring of management action plans, and safe access to the Bank’s accountability mechanism.
Neighbouring MHP’s poultry farms: Five years of water monitoring in Ukraine’s Vinnytsia region reveal pollution
Issue paper | 25 May, 2026 | Download PDFOver the past five years, civil society has been monitoring the deterioration of water quality and availability in Ukraine’s Vinnytsia region, where MHP operates large-scale poultry production facilities.
Civil Society Comments on the Draft New Policy of EIB Group Complaints Mechanism
Policy comments | 19 May, 2026 | Download PDFIn May 2026, 21 civil society organisations submitted joint comments on the draft new policy of the EIB Group Complaints Mechanism. Among other things, we called for a clear mandate and capacity to facilitate effective remedy, stronger independence and improved transparency and predictability.
