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
BIRN dhe partnerët i kushtojnë një javë energjisë së gjelbër përmes disa aktiviteteve
Bankwatch in the media | 13 May, 2022Rrjeti Ballkanik për Gazetari Hulumtuese (BIRN) në Kosovë në bashkëpunim me CEE Bankwatch, ERA Group dhe TV Mreza do të organizojnë nga 16 …
Read moreEU Ombudsman reprimands EIB for lack of transparency on funding’s environmental impacts
Press release | 25 April, 2022In an encouraging move for democracy and the planet, the EU watchdog has taken a stance against the European Investment Bank (EIB) for refusing to disclose information about the environmental impacts of projects it finances.
Read moreJoint Response to the EBRD’s 2022-27 Strategy for Egypt
Bankwatch in the media | 19 April, 2022Download logo
Read moreRelated publications
What you need to know about the Green City Action Plan but your municipality won’t tell you
Leaflet | 13 January, 2022 | Download PDFA step-by-step guide on what the Green City Action Plan is, why citizen participation is important for improving the future of cities, and how residents can participate.
Position Paper on the Serbia Solid Waste National Programme
Position Paper | 15 December, 2021 | Download PDFThis position paper, prepared by the CEE Bankwatch Network and based on research conducted by Springloop Cooperative, U.A. and Bankwatch member group CEKOR, Serbia, expresses concern about the Serbia Solid Waste National Programme, a multi-site EUR 150 million project co-financed 50:50 by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the French Development Agency. The paper discusses the various risks associated with approving the project without first ensuring that detailed social and environmental assessments are carried out, and it calls on the Bank to condition the project on guarantees that the rights and livelihoods of the most vulnerable and marginalized affected people will be protected.
Uzbekistan’s Anti-Crisis Fund: Analysis of state procurement in 2020
Briefing | 29 November, 2021 | Download PDFIn March 2020, Uzbekistan established an Anti-Crisis Fund to help the state mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the economy. It allocates international loans and state money to ‘finance measures to combat the spread of coronavirus infection, to support