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
The Khada Valley, Georgia
The Khada Valley in Georgia brings together exceptional biodiversity, precious cultural and archeological heritage, and mountainous villages which have preserved rich traditions and historical lifestyles. But all of this might vanish if a 23-kilometer road from Georgia to Russia – the Kvesheti-Kobi project – is built.
Amulsar gold mine, Armenia
Since 2016 the controversial Amulsar gold mine project is being developed by Armenia’s largest foreign investor, an international mining company Lydian, near the touristic spa town of Jermuk.
Just transition
Working on just transition brings all actors who believe in fair regional redevelopment to the same table: unions, industry, public administration, governments, civil society and others sharing this goal. They should be working together to find what is best for their regions and communities, from creating good quality jobs to identifying sustainable alternatives.
Latest news
European funding for a Lukoil gas project in Azerbaijan tramples the EU’s commitment to both climate action and human rights
Press release | 23 July, 2015A USD 500 million loan for the share of Russian gas giant Lukoil in a major gas project in Azerbaijan has been approved yesterday by the Board of Directors of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Yet, the decision will significantly hinder Europe’s commitments to decarbonise as well as to advance democracy.
Read moreUcraina – Pericolul nuclear ascuns in vazul tuturor
Bankwatch in the media | 22 July, 2015Atentia intregii regiuni, daca nu a intregii lumi, este concentrata pe evenimentele din estul Ucrainei. Pe buna dreptate, pentru ca un razboi in Europa nu mai putea fi imaginat de multi dintre noi. In tot acest timp insa, in Ucraina se intampla si alte lucruri, unele cu potential impact direct asupra Romaniei intr-un caz tragic. E vorba despre starea ingrijoratoare a reactoarelor nucleare ale acestei tari si prelungirea duratei lor de viata cu incalcarea conventiilor internationale la care Kievul a aderat. De la Bucuresti, liniste totala. Autoritatile romane nu par ingrijorate.
Read moreEuropean Bank Says Mining Projects Don’t Damage Glaciers
Bankwatch in the media | 8 July, 2015For years, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has been involved in the Kumtor mining project, which some experts say is contaminating ground and surface waters. Kyrgyz local communities have been complaining that the gold mine is causing negative environmental and social impacts on the nearby villages. Additionally, international NGOs and Kyrgyz environmentalists believe that the Canadian-operated Centerra Gold mine is triggering rapid glacier melt due to company’s mining practices. The EBRD has denied these claims.
Read moreRelated publications
The Romanian renewable energy sector: a potential still untapped
Study | 8 April, 2021 | Download PDFThis report assesses the development of the Romanian renewable energy sector, identifies the main public policies needed to support this sector and offers recommendations to ensure the sustainable growth of the sector until 2030. The European Green Dea
Tashlyk hydro pumped storage plant, Ukraine
Briefing | 7 April, 2021 | Download PDFOn 12 May 2020, the European Investment Bank (EIB) announced that it is considering financing the completion of the Tashlyk hydro pumped storage plant (HPSP) project. The Ukrainian state-owned enterprise National Nuclear Energy Generating Company (Ener
Blagoevgradska Bistritsa hydropower cascade (Bulgaria)
Study | 30 March, 2021 | Download PDFThe Blagoevgradska Bistritsa hydropower cascade in Bulgaria consists of eight small hydropower plants installed on pipelines that supply the town of Blagoevgrad with drinking water. The plants were developed by the private company Blagoevgradska Bistri
