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.
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.
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.
Latest news
The public is still paying, hydropower operators are still profiting
Blog entry | 27 January, 2021More than a year after Bankwatch revealed the scale of hydropower subsidies in the Western Balkans, progress in eliminating environmentally harmful aid is still slow.
Read morePulling the ‘cotton’ over Uzbek eyes at latest EBRD investment
Blog entry | 26 January, 2021On 27 January 2021 the EBRD expects its Board of Directors to approve a loan of USD 70 million to Indorama Agro for the development of the cotton farming sector in Uzbekistan.
Read more‘Needle under a blanket’ at Belgrade waste project
Blog entry | 18 January, 2021Superficial cover up by the EBRD’s accountability mechanism of problems at Belgrade Solid Waste public-private partnership is followed by new request for problem solving.
Read moreRelated publications
The Romanian renewable energy sector: a potential still untapped
Study | 8 April, 2021 | Download PDFThis report assesses the development of the Romanian renewable energy sector, identifies the main public policies needed to support this sector and offers recommendations to ensure the sustainable growth of the sector until 2030. The European Green Dea
Tashlyk hydro pumped storage plant, Ukraine
Briefing | 7 April, 2021 | Download PDFOn 12 May 2020, the European Investment Bank (EIB) announced that it is considering financing the completion of the Tashlyk hydro pumped storage plant (HPSP) project. The Ukrainian state-owned enterprise National Nuclear Energy Generating Company (Ener
Blagoevgradska Bistritsa hydropower cascade (Bulgaria)
Study | 30 March, 2021 | Download PDFThe Blagoevgradska Bistritsa hydropower cascade in Bulgaria consists of eight small hydropower plants installed on pipelines that supply the town of Blagoevgrad with drinking water. The plants were developed by the private company Blagoevgradska Bistri