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
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.
Kumtor Gold Mine, Kyrgyzstan
The Kumtor open pit gold mine is located in a majestic surrounding in the Kyrgyzstan mountains. It receives continued support by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, despite several accidents in the past and ongoing environmental damages from the mining operations.
Latest news
SLAPPd: the Armenian activists fighting a mining multinational’s lawsuits
Blog entry | 22 June, 2020Strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP) are a form of often frivolous litigation used by corporations to intimidate and punish critics and silence their right to free speech. Lydian international, the tax haven-listed mining company, has repeatedly deployed the tactic against journalists and civil society as it presses forward with the Amulsar gold mine in Armenia, whilst the EBRD has stood by silently.
Read moreHow to better apply the law to small hydropower in the Energy Community?
Blog entry | 16 June, 2020Prompted by widespread public resistance to small hydropower plants in the Western Balkans, the Energy Community Secretariat has recently been consulting the public on guidelines for the proper application of environmental and State aid legislation in such cases. Bankwatch’s input highlights a plethora of common deficiencies that need to be addressed.
Read moreEBRD’s Green Economy Transition must not be a fig leaf for fossil fuels investments
Blog entry | 16 June, 2020Like many other financial institutions, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has responded to the call to join the global effort to tackle the climate crisis. And yet, over the past decade, while growing its support for renewable energy, the bank has continued to hand out public money to the fossil fuels industry.
Read moreRelated publications
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
Two-speed energy transition in the Western Balkans
Briefing | 4 June, 2020 | Download PDFTwo-speed energy transition in the Western Balkans
