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
Olkaria geothermal development, Kenya
Financed by several development banks, geothermal installations have uprooted Maasai communities whose fundamental rights as an indigenous people have been ignored at first. The company has so far been slow and reluctant in addressing the Maasai’s complaints.
Zombie reactors in Ukraine
While the European Union is trying to help Ukraine’s political transition, Europe’s financial support is cementing the country’s dependence on an outdated and highly unsafe nuclear sector. To avoid further instability and political and environmental risks, European institutions need to offer better oversight and funding for alternative energy sources.
Mining boom in Mongolia
With huge amounts of unexploited natural resources (gold, copper, coal and more) the Mongolian economy is estimated to grow massively in the years to come. But will it also benefit the people in Mongolia? Our work shows how mining operations lead to pollution and displacement for local herders and exacerbate water scarcity issues.
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
