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.
Minerals mining and supply chains
Global demand for minerals and other critical raw materials is intensified by the just transition to renewable energy and the digital transformation agenda. Therefore sustainable supply chains of minerals are fundamental to addressing the climate crisis and the Covid-19 crisis that humanity is facing today. The European Union needs to innovate and find solutions to achieve its circular economy and resource use reduction objectives and to meet the demand of EU’s industry and consumers, while still protecting communities and nature threatened by mining.
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.
Latest news
The heroic dust monitor
Blog entry | 22 July, 2021This year we are marking five years since Bankwatch engaged in air pollution work in the Balkans. Throughout these years, there was one constant in the work – the environmental dust monitor. It has become the hero of many communities and is known to every organisation in the region that works for cleaner air.
Read moreHungary’s export credit agency EXIM stops funding for coal
Blog entry | 7 July, 2021Gergely Jákli, the CEO of EXIM officially confirmed in a letter dated 27 May 2021 to Bankwatch member group MTVSZ (Magyar Természetvédők Szövetsége / Friends of the Earth Hungary) that the agency will no longer support coal-related projects.
Read moreHow to ensure public control over projects funded by development banks in non-democratic regimes
Blog entry | 5 July, 2021In a series of video tutorials, we demonstrate tools civil society organisations and activists from Uzbekistan can use to have a say about projects supported by development banks that may affect their communities and the environment.
Read moreRelated publications
No time to celebrate: a breakthrough for human rights is needed after 30 years of the EBRD
Study | 21 June, 2021 | Download PDFThe European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) stands out among multilateral development banks with the commitment of its shareholding countries to the fundamental principles of democracy and respect for human rights. As the EBRD celebrate
An ambitious vision for European wildlife. Suggestions to the draft Vision and Strategic Plan for the Bern Convention for the period to 2030.
Policy comments | 21 May, 2021 | Download PDFFriends of the Earth Europe (FOEE) and CEE Bankwatch Network submitted joint suggestions to the draft Vision and Strategic Plan for the period to 2030 of the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats. The final text
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
