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.
Close to frontline communities
We’re in direct contact with affected communities and provide updates from their struggles.
Image (c) Rosa Vroom
Where rights are on the line
Just transition
Working on just transition brings all actors who believe in fair regional redevelopment to the same table: unions, industry, public administration, governments, civil society and others sharing this goal. They should be working together to find what is best for their regions and communities, from creating good quality jobs to identifying sustainable alternatives.
Export Credit Agencies (ECAs)
With many billions of dollars at their disposal, export credit agency finance far outpaces that of development banks and yet avoids the same public scrutiny. Most money flows into large infrastructure projects in politically-volatile countries that oft
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.
Latest news
A sustainable future for Ukraine – the new Marshall Plan
Bankwatch in the media | 10 November, 2022As Ukraine continues to count its losses, it is up to the European Union to start preparing a plan to help its recovery and make Europe …
Read moreUkraine Reconstruction Platform: nothing to write home about
Blog entry | 10 November, 2022After a hectic start to public discussion about Ukraine’s reconstruction in Lugano, here we are again, trying to come up with some tangible results after the Berlin conference but without success. What is lacking in the conversation on Ukraine’s reconstruction, and how can the countries and partners put their money and attention where their mouth is?
Read moreCorridor Vc subsection under OLAF investigation, a cautionary tale for public banks
Bankwatch in the media | 26 October, 2022In August, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) opened an investigation into potential fraud and corruption around the Bosnia and …
Read moreRelated publications
A false start for wind energy in Uzbekistan?
Briefing | 1 December, 2022 | Download PDFThis report analyses the current environmental assessments for four wind projects planned to be built in Uzbekistan and adds new evidence from visits to the sites, meetings with the companies and local communities, and expert advise from environmental organisations.
Quick guides to EIB’s standards
Leaflet | 16 November, 2022 | Download PDFClick here to download all guides. These factsheets present the major requirements that the EIB’s standards have for project promoters (the EIB’s counterpart in an operation/project). These guides also include the documents which the promoter needs to
What do the OKKO filling stations employees say about their employer?
Resume | 3 November, 2022 | Download PDFPetrol filling stations network OKKO, controlled by the Galnaftogaz JSC, is known throughout Ukraine. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) facilitated the expansion of this network having a long history of relations with Concern
