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.
We run a helpdesk where activists and communities can get advice on how to challenge controversial projects being considered for funding by development banks.
Close to frontline communities
We’re in direct contact with affected communities and provide updates from their struggles.
Image (c) Rosa Vroom
IN FOCUS
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.
Amulsar gold mine, Armenia
The controversial Amulsar gold mine near the touristic spa town of Jermuk was supported by the EBRD equity investments, but blocked by locals after the velvet revolution in 2018. In spite of a number of legal threats and intimidation by the company, the blockade continued till the eruption of military conflict overNagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) at the end of 2020.
Myronivsky Hliboproduct (MHP), Ukraine
The leading Ukrainian agribusiness giant has been enjoying generous support in public funds and national subsidies. With over half a billion euros from the EBRD, EIB and the IFC, Myronivsky Hliboproduct PJSC (MHP) has grown into a near monopolist in poultry production. While MHP’s vertically integrated model has contributed to its status as a leading Ukrainian agribusiness, the scale and nature of its business have also contributed to mounting concerns about its social and environmental impacts. These concerns are compounded by patterns of poor community consultation and a lack of information provided about MHP’s operations, leaving project-affected people guessing about the true impacts of its operations.
Corridor Vc motorway, Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Bosnian section of the international Corridor Vc is planned to run for 330 km through Bosnia and Herzegovina. Concerns about environmental impacts and threats to cultural heritage were raised by local people and cultural figures. The public discussions about the project have led to a series of scandals and a deadlock of the motorway’s development.
More of our projects
Indorama Agro: Uzbekistan’s infamous cotton producer
Despite being Uzbekistan’s largest cotton producer and receiving millions in development loans from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) – institutions that promote modernisation and corporate responsibility – Indorama Agro faces multiple complaints of worker mistreatment and retaliation.
Zarafshan, Bash and Dzhankeldy wind projects, Uzbekistan
The first large wind projects in the Central Asian country are being built in biodiversity hotspots and hinder the declaration of protected areas. The IFC, EBRD and ADB need to ensure that some of the most problematic turbines are moved away.
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.
Latest news
Why China is Building a New Road to Russia
Bankwatch in the media | 26 February, 2025“The Khada Valley is a very small valley. It’s located very close to the capital [Tbilisi] and it’s unique in terms of its cultural heritage,” said Manana Kochladze, the human rights and democratisation lead at Bankwatch.
Read moreGuidelines for selecting just transition projects in Ukraine
Blog entry | 20 February, 2025Despite the ongoing war, Ukraine remains steadfast in its commitment to a just transition. As an EU accession candidate, Ukraine must integrate the Just Transition Mechanism’s principles and criteria into its national policies. Since Ukraine plans to join the EU before its coal phase-out in 2035, the Just Transition Fund regulation provides the most relevant framework for meeting these requirements.
Read moreOne foot in Europe: EU Interreg programmes advance the partnership principle in Ukraine.
Blog entry | 12 February, 2025Wartime challenges and the European integration process present both obstacles and opportunities for Ukraine. As the country rebuilds, it has the opportunity to adopt EU best practices by embracing democratic values, public participation through the partnership principle, and financial transparency.
Read moreRelated publications
The EBRD starts its impact reporting journey: How can it deliver meaningful results?
Briefing | 7 July, 2025 | Download PDFIn May 2025, the EBRD published its first-ever Impact Report, showcasing the impact of EUR 16.6 billion invested across 584 projects on real-world change. Although shifting the focus from activities to impacts is important, the report falls short in several key areas.
Civil society recommendations for ADB Accountability Mechanism Policy Review
Policy comments | 23 June, 2025 | Download PDFIn April 2025, 29 civil society organisations, including Bankwatch, submitted recommendations for the Asian Development Bank’s Accountability Mechanism Policy.
The role of stakeholder engagement in the EBRD’s impact monitoring and reporting
Issue paper | 30 May, 2025 | Download PDFThis report examines the EBRD’s policies and practices related to stakeholder engagement and its monitoring and reporting at the project, country, and institutional levels. It identifies gaps in transparency at the project level, consultations on country strategies, and institutional reporting.
