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
Albanie «Avec cette hydrocentrale, je perdrais tout»
Bankwatch in the media | 27 September, 2018Le petit Etat des Balkans est l’un des rares pays européens à conserver ses cours d’eau intacts, telle la rivière Vjosa. Une manne convoitée par les compagnies d’hydroélectricité qui veulent y implanter des barrages, mais entre les agriculteurs refusan
Read moreMore efforts from the EBRD required to mainstream gender in Kyrgyzstan
Blog entry | 26 September, 2018It appears the EBRD funds are prioritised on the first-need service basis rather than the long-term strategy goals identified by the EBRD in both the public transportation and water sectors.
Read moreFoto La battaglia per salvare i Balcani dalle dighe
Bankwatch in the media | 14 September, 2018Nei Balcani gli ultimi fiumi selvaggi d’Europa sono a rischio a causa dell’industria idroelettrica. Conseguenze ambientali importanti, ritorni economici dubbi e non a vantaggio delle comunità locali hanno dato vita a una campagna di denuncia internazio
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
