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
Complaint on Bosnia-Herzegovina dams on Neretva river submitted to the Bern Convention
Press release | 22 October, 2020NGOs submit a complaint to the Bern Convention against Bosnia and Herzegovina for permitting dam-building on the pristine upper Neretva. A related complaint was submitted to the Energy Community Secretariat in August.
Read moreGroundhog day: Third public consultation for Belgrade incinerator environmental studies and still no circular economy in sight
Blog entry | 1 October, 2020Construction of Belgrade’s Vinča incinerator officially started last year, so why have Serbian authorities opened a new public consultation on an updated environmental study? Annulling all previous approvals immediately is the only way to give this process any integrity.
Read moreAny increase in renewable energy targets must exclude environmentally destructive projects
Blog entry | 29 September, 2020Raising renewable energy targets alone will not be enough to reduce GHG emissions in a sustainable manner. The Commission must also match this with tighter criteria for hydropower and biomass projects.
Read moreRelated publications
The EIB’s empty promises on human rights
Briefing | 12 November, 2020 | Download PDFThis briefing is extracted from a broader report carried out by NGOs CEE Bankwatch Network and Counter Balance regarding the European Investment Bank’s (EIB) track record in the development field. Over the last decades, in solidarity with numerous citi
Can the EIB become the “EU Development Bank”?
Report | 9 November, 2020 | Download PDFThis report analyses the EIB’s track record in the development field and offers a series of detailed recommendations for fundamental reforms at the EIB, so that the Bank can better support partner countries’ development priorities and ultimately become a credible candidate for the “EU Development Bank” seat.
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.
