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
Vujadin Berberović, local activist who campaigned against Corridor Vc in Bosnia and Herzegovina, passes away
Press release | 10 February, 2021Bankwatch is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Vujadin Berberović, president of the Serb returnee association in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, who played a key role in mobilising his community to ensure the local residents are equal stakeholders in the development of the Corridor Vc project.
Read moreNEW REPORT: EU push for metals mining is a raw deal for people and environment
Press release | 28 January, 2021With a fair and digital transformation topping the priorities of the Portuguese EU presidency, the European Green Deal’s push for raw materials should not come at the expense of workers, local communities and nature, warns a new report from CEE Bankwatch Network.
Read moreThe 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 moreRelated publications
Review and comments by environmental and social panel of experts on the Khudoni hydropower project EIA and SEA
Official document | 18 October, 2007 | Download PDFThe Khudoni dam: a necessary solution to the Georgian energy crisis?
Study | 7 June, 2007 | Download PDFThis report questions whether the solution for the troubled Georgian energy sector is the Khudoni Dam, a project which has already received World Bank grants for feasibility studies. The report also highlights the likely severe negative impacts of the dam construction on people in Georgia.
The Kumtor Gold Mine: Spewing Toxics From On High
Briefing | 4 September, 2000 | Download PDFLocated at almost 4,000 meters in the remote Tien Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan, the Kumtor gold mine is believed to be the eighth largest gold field in the world. In 1998, a cyanide and sodium hypochloride spill associated with the mine reportedly left several people dead, hundreds seeking medical treatment, and thousands evacuated.
