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
Shuakhevi hydropower plant, Georgia
Entrusted with leading Georgia towards energy independence, the Shuakhevi plant has achieved anything but. Long after its completion in June 2017, it is as far as it could be from fulfilling its promise for energy security. Instead, it managed to collect an impressive ‘portfolio’ of problems in a wide range of areas: from biodiversity, to gender impacts, to community relations.
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.
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.
Latest news
Racing against the clock: Kenyan villagers under imminent threat of eviction by project under EU’s bank’s appraisal
Blog entry | 19 June, 2019Today’s European Development Days forum in Brussels with its aspirational motto ‘building a world which leaves no one behind’ is an ironic backdrop to what is happening in the remote parts of Kenya, where a whole community is facing a threat of forced eviction by a project under appraisal of the EU’s own house bank. About a hundred people were demanded to abandon their homes by tomorrow – 20 June.
Read moreIn Georgia, leaked contract shows Nenskra hydropower project to cost country USD 60 million a year
Press release | 10 June, 2019For immediate release. Prague, Tbilisi – A leaked contract between the Georgian government and the company behind the Nenskra hydropower project includes terms that indicate the project will incur massive losses for the state, according to a report broadcast on 8 June by the national television station Rustavi 2 [1].
Read moreEU enlargement reports show increased concerns on Chinese financing and hydropower sustainability
Blog entry | 30 May, 2019This year’s EU Enlargement Package reiterates a slew of unresolved problems from previous years in the Western Balkans, but gives increased prominence to China’s role in the region and the and the need to reign in uncontrolled hydropower development.
Read moreRelated publications
Complaint to the European Ombudsman regarding the EIB’s non-disclosure of information
Briefing | 14 May, 2019 | Download PDFThis complaint is based on the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the EIB with theEuropean Ombudsman allowing the complainants who are not satisfied with the outcome of the procedure before the European Investment Bank-Complaints Mechanism (EIB-CM)
Nenskra hydropower project: May 2019 update
Briefing | 14 May, 2019 | Download PDFGiven the complexity of the Nenskra project and its immense impact on indigenous Svan communities and the country’s fiscal stability, the EBRD should take responsibility and not provide financial support until the project is properly assessed. Read mor
Letter to EBRD president Suma Chakrabarti
Advocacy letter | 3 April, 2019 | Download PDFCEE Bankwatch Network, Arab Watch Coalition and the International Accountability Project call to the EBRD President, Sir Suma Chakrabarti, to ensure a people-centered Access to Information Policy. Communities, individuals, and civil society have the ri
