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
Amulsar gold mine, Armenia
Armenia’s largest foreign investor, an international mining company Lydian, is developing the controversial Amulsar gold mine near the touristic spa town of Jermuk. In 2018 locals blocked access to the mine, having long contested that it posed a threat
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.
Export Credit Agencies (ECAs)
With many billions of dollars at their disposal, export credit agency finance far outpaces that of development banks and yet avoids the same public scrutiny. Most money flows into large infrastructure projects in politically-volatile countries that oft
Latest news
EIB blames Ombudsman for not helping redact VW report
Bankwatch in the media | 2 July, 2019Volkswagen Group duped the European Investment Bank, from which it borrowed €400m, by not disclosing it was cheating on emissions tests. Requests by EUobserver to see the anti-fraud report however have been consistently rejected. Source: EIB blames Omb
Read moreReport warns of major air pollution in Bosnian city of Tuzla – The Washington Post
Bankwatch in the media | 25 June, 2019Environmental groups have called for urgent measures to combat air pollution in the central Bosnian city of Tuzla, saying dust concentration far exceeds legal limits and causes premature deaths Source: Report warns of major air pollution in Bosnian cit
Read moreЧернобыль и Киев глазами туриста – о хорошем, плохом и неприглядном – новости 2000.ua
Bankwatch in the media | 24 June, 2019Чернобыль и Киев глазами туриста – о хорошем, плохом и неприглядном Source: Чернобыль и Киев глазами туриста – о хорошем, плохом и неприглядном – новости 2000.ua
Read moreRelated publications
Complaint to the European Ombudsman regarding the EIB’s non-disclosure of information
Briefing | 14 May, 2019 | Download PDFThis complaint is based on the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the EIB with theEuropean Ombudsman allowing the complainants who are not satisfied with the outcome of the procedure before the European Investment Bank-Complaints Mechanism (EIB-CM)
Nenskra hydropower project: May 2019 update
Briefing | 14 May, 2019 | Download PDFGiven the complexity of the Nenskra project and its immense impact on indigenous Svan communities and the country’s fiscal stability, the EBRD should take responsibility and not provide financial support until the project is properly assessed. Read mor
Letter to EBRD president Suma Chakrabarti
Advocacy letter | 3 April, 2019 | Download PDFCEE Bankwatch Network, Arab Watch Coalition and the International Accountability Project call to the EBRD President, Sir Suma Chakrabarti, to ensure a people-centered Access to Information Policy. Communities, individuals, and civil society have the ri
