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
Krapska Reka small hydropower plant, Macedonia
Loopholes in the EBRD’s due diligence, together with a lack of assessment and monitoring by Macedonia’s local and central government, has proven to be a lethal combination for the country’s rivers. A prime example is the Krapska Reka small hydropower project. The authorities’ failure to recognise the location as part of the proposed Jakupica National Park, Emerald area and a future Natura 2000 site, on top of poor mitigation measures and construction practices, have caused irreversible damage to this small river valley.
Destructive hydropower in southeast Europe
International commercial and public banks have been bankrolling a wave of hydropower projects across Southeast Europe that have damaged pristine rivers, including in protected areas. These financiers need to take their share of the responsibility and stop financing projects in sensitive areas.
Buk Bijela dam and the Upper Drina cascade
Backed by a state-owned energy company, Buk Bijela has the necessary support and privileges to to be pushed forward in violation of the national legislation and international conventions.
Latest news
EIB keeps denying Southern Gas Corridor climate impact
Blog entry | 4 August, 2020As it seeks to morph into the EU’s climate bank, the European Investment Bank (EIB) continues to downplay the climate footprint of many of the projects it finances, including that of Europe’s largest fossil fuels project, the Southern Gas Corridor.
Read moreInforming women is the first step to empowering them
Blog entry | 3 August, 2020Evidence of meaningful implementation of the Gender Action Plan for EBRD and GCF’s Green Cities Framework – not found.
Read moreControversial plans for Estonian shale oil pre-refinery cancelled
Blog entry | 31 July, 2020But will leaders take this opportunity to support a meaningful just transition?
Read moreRelated publications
Green City Action Plan for Tbilisi – A Mere Formality?
Study | 31 July, 2020 | Download PDFTbilisi is a city of more than 1.2 million people,1 characterized by serious environmental challenges in terms of air, water and soil pollution. It also experiences problems with urban planning and mobility. This briefing analyses the lack of integration in international efforts to make Tbilisi a greener, more sustainable place to live.
CEE Bankwatch Network submission to the EIB Climate Roadmap 2021-2025
Policy comments | 9 July, 2020 | Download PDFCEE Bankwatch Network submission to the EIB Climate Roadmap 2021-2025
Urgent call to take steps to become the EU Climate Bank
Advocacy letter | 24 June, 2020 | Download PDFJoint civil society letter: Urgent call to take steps to become the EU Climate Bank – Status quo is not an option
