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 Reconstruction of Ukraine
The scale of destruction caused by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has been staggering. To repair the damage, joint efforts to coordinate donations and properly plan Ukraine’s reconstruction must start as soon as possible. A successful reconstruction of Ukraine cannot happen without involvement of the Ukrainian people. That’s why we’re calling on international donors to ensure that the financial structures to help impacted communities are put in place and that civil society groups have a say in this process. We believe that Ukraine and the international community have a unique opportunity to modernise the country while addressing people’s needs and long-term sustainability.
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.
Latest news
Mining in protected areas, an update on Kumtor and Centerra Gold
Blog entry | 28 March, 2012Centerra Gold is being criticised for its activities in protected areas at the Kumtor gold mine and at another project in Mongolia. More lessons to be learnt for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
Read moreRare photos of Kumtor mine and environs
Bankwatch in the media | 26 March, 2012http://www.neweurasia.net/business-and-economics/rare-photos-of-kumtor-mine-and-environs/
Read moreUkraine, EU: An incomplete debate on nuclear energy
Bankwatch in the media | 21 March, 2012For some people in Ukraine, it has been striking to see how little awareness and discussion there is in Europe about Kyiv’s plans to expand the lifetime of 12 old nuclear reactors, right on the doorstep of the EU and most likely at European taxpayers’ expense, writes Iryna Holovko, an environmental campaigner in Ukraine.
Read moreRelated publications
Briefing for the EIB Board on the Budapest Airport expansion project
Briefing | 2 May, 2023 | Download PDFThis briefing shows how this EIB-financed project continues to violate the fundamental rights of residents, which are enshrined by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
Civil society seminar: Recommendations for EIB Global
Briefing | 2 May, 2023 | Download PDFThis briefing summarises recommendations formulated by civil society to guide the future operations of EIB Global.
The reconstruction of Ukraine: lessons from the post-war recovery in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Georgia
Briefing | 14 April, 2023 | Download PDFThis briefing analyses the lessons learned from the post war reconstruction in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Georgia and how they can be considered during Ukraine’s reconstruction.
