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
Destructive hydropower in southeast Europe
International commercial and public banks have been bankrolling a wave of hydropower projects across Southeast Europe that have damaged pristine rivers, including in protected areas. These financiers need to take their share of the responsibility and stop financing projects in sensitive areas.
Buk Bijela dam and the Upper Drina cascade
Backed by a state-owned energy company, Buk Bijela has the necessary support and privileges to to be pushed forward in violation of the national legislation and international conventions.
Shuakhevi hydropower plant, Georgia
Entrusted with leading Georgia towards energy independence, the Shuakhevi plant has achieved anything but. Long after its completion in June 2017, it is as far as it could be from fulfilling its promise for energy security. Instead, it managed to collect an impressive ‘portfolio’ of problems in a wide range of areas: from biodiversity, to gender impacts, to community relations.
Latest news
EIB to weaken accountability mechanism, despite civil society criticism
Press release | 13 November, 2018Brussels – In a step backwards for the EU bank’s transparency and accountability, the Board of Directors of the European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved a controversial new policy [1] of its Complaints Mechanism, a move that will take the bank further away from the communities affected by its operations – say NGOs.
Read moreControversial dam project in Georgia abandoned by constructor
Blog entry | 30 October, 2018Already mired by controversy, the billion dollar Nenskra hydropower plant is now facing another major hurdle as the company contracted to realize the project is now leaving it.
Read moreThe complaints mechanism at the EIB – usable but useless?
Blog entry | 8 October, 2018Nearly three years after first announcing it, the European Investment Bank (EIB) has finally presented a new vision for the bank’s complaints mechanism, the body responsible for grievances related to EIB projects and policies.
Read moreRelated publications
Shuakhevi Compliance Review
Official document | 12 December, 2018 | Download PDFIn view of the considerable public resources invested in the Shuakhevi HPP project and in view of the negative impacts on local people’s safety and livelihoods, as well on local resources needed for sustainable development of the Adjara region and Geor
Submission to the EBRD strategy for Turkmenistan
Briefing | 7 December, 2018 | Download PDFDevelopments in Turkmenistan do not demonstrate commitments of the authorities to apply the political principles of the Article 1 of the Agreement Establishing the Bank. Intergovernmental organisations and CSO sources describe situation in Turkmenistan
Gender inclusion in the EBRD public transport and water projects in southern Kyrgyzstan
Study | 20 September, 2018 | Download PDFThe research team has conducted a survey that was focused on gender inclusion in the EBRD funded public transport and water projects in Osh, the second largest city in Kyrgyz Republic. The outcome of this publication revealed that the bank’s objectives
