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
ARCHIVED: Kresna gorge / Struma motorway, Bulgaria
The Struma motorway is tragically emblematic of an EU-funded project that has wrought havoc on European biodiversity and the wishes of local communities. In spite of two decades of protest by civil society and citizens, part of the Struma motorway section is planned directly through the Kresna gorge, a Natura 2000 site and Bulgaria’s richest biodiversity hotspot.
ARCHIVED: Southern Gas Corridor
This system of mega-pipelines meant to bring gas from Azerbaijan to Europe, is unnecessary for Europe’s declining gas demand. But the billions in public investments will boost Azerbaijan’s dictatorial regime and cause upheaval for transit communities in Turkey, Greece, Albania and Italy.
ARCHIVED: Mombasa-Mariakani road project, Kenya
Locals affected by the road project are facing forceful eviction and have not been properly consulted or compensated. The project promoter reacts to criticism with intimidation.
Latest news
Letter: Ukraine chicken baron’s environmental footprint
Bankwatch in the media | 7 September, 2026The Ukrainian success story of poultry giant MHP is anything but for the communities that live in the shadows of its factories (“War fails to clip wings of Ukraine’s chicken baron”, FT Series Big Chicken, September 4). MHP operates the largest agricultural enterprise in the Vinnytsia region, managing extensive cropland for chicken feed production. Its environmental footprint is massive. For the last five years, locals have monitored water quality near the MHP site, detecting alarming levels of nitrate contamination, especially in groundwater that people rely on for drinking.
Read moreHow Ukraine can turn community needs into bankable projects
Blog entry | 18 August, 2026Ukraine’s public investment management (PIM) system faces a fundamental challenge: communities and ministries often know what they need, but lack the time, data, expertise and money to turn those needs into strong investment projects.
Read moreSigns of trouble: Drainage pipe near the pristine Bunica river spring causes outcry as Corridor Vc construction affects Mostar communities
Blog entry | 30 July, 2026A large drainage pipe has been recently installed next to the spring of the Bunica River as part of the construction of the European Corridor Vc motorway in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Local residents became increasingly concerned and the issue gained public attention on 3 July 2026 when photographs of the works were widely shared and questions were raised about the purpose of the pipe and its potential impact on the river.
Read moreRelated publications
Corridor Vc in Bosnia and Herzegovina: The public cost of weak governance
Briefing | 7 September, 2026 | Download PDFThe Corridor Vc motorway through Bosnia and Herzegovina was due to be completed in 2012. As of August 2026, however, only around 45% of the route has been built, with costs climbing to nearly EUR 5.2 billion. This briefing examines nine cases along the motorway that together reveal a pattern of cost increases and delays, corruption allegations, disputed procurement, unresolved property disputes, and communities excluded from key decisions.
Ukraine’s Mount Runa at risk: Why the EBRD and Oschadbank wind farm investment sets a dangerous precedent
Issue paper | 27 August, 2026 | Download PDFThis issue paper examines the environmental and social risks associated with the planned 156-megawatt Mount Runa wind farm in the Ukrainian Carpathians and the role of financing provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) – through its Energy Security Support Facility – and Oschadbank.
Vinnytsia Poultry Farm: Agri-oligarchy and its impacts in Ukraine
Briefing | 25 June, 2026 | Download PDFThis briefing showcases the vast and sprawling Vinnytsia Poultry Farm and its impact on the lives of local villagers ever since construction began in 2010.
