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.
Minerals mining and supply chains
Global demand for minerals and other critical raw materials is intensified by the just transition to renewable energy and the digital transformation agenda. Therefore sustainable supply chains of minerals are fundamental to addressing the climate crisis and the Covid-19 crisis that humanity is facing today. The European Union needs to innovate and find solutions to achieve its circular economy and resource use reduction objectives and to meet the demand of EU’s industry and consumers, while still protecting communities and nature threatened by mining.
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.
Latest news
Video: Spirited away – Mongolia’s mining boom and the people that development left behind
Blog entry | 27 January, 2012Earlier this week we published an overview of two Central Asian mining projects financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development – the Kumtor gold mine in Kyrgyzstan and the Ukhaa Khudag coal mine in Mongolia’s south Gobi desert, which is part of the much larger – in fact the world’s largest – coal deposit at Tavan Tolgoi.
Read moreRushing into gold can leave people behind, EBRD
Blog entry | 25 January, 2012A look at mining projects in Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia reveal a need to carefully revise the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s involvement in the exploitation of natural resources.
Read moreHydropower vs. nature in southeast Europe: EBRD complicity in environmental crime?
Blog entry | 31 October, 2011Why is it that when we advocate for something to the international financial institutions (IFIs) they often manage to give it a peculiar twist of their own?
Read moreRelated publications
Urban public transport reform in Tbilisi
Briefing | 29 September, 2022 | Download PDFThe briefing finds that none of Tbilisi’s proposed reforms have been completed, nor are they entirely consistent with the city’s goals, including prioritising pedestrians, enhancing mobility opportunities for the city’s residents and improving air quality.
Rebuilding cities for people in Ukraine
Briefing | 19 September, 2022 | Download PDFThis briefing describes Ukrainian cities’ efforts for green development before the war and their plans for green post-war reconstruction.
Suggestions for donor interventions to help the green post-war reconstruction of Ukraine
Briefing | 28 July, 2022 | Download PDFThis briefing gathers practical suggestions for consolidating international efforts around the idea of a sustainable post-war reconstruction of Ukraine.
