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
Checking in on Waste Management Projects in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan
Bankwatch in the media | 27 December, 2022The EBRD is facilitating the introduction of green technologies, waste recovery and recycling systems in both countries, but more …
Read moreAko pomôcť s obnovou ukrajinského poľnohospodárstva: Poučenie pre banky
Bankwatch in the media | 20 December, 2022Prípad agrogiganta, ktorý za peniaze od medzinárodných investorov rozširuje svoju výrobu na ukrajinskom vidieku, ukazuje, prečo musia …
Read morePublic Participation, the Achilles Heel of International Investments in Uzbekistan
Bankwatch in the media | 15 December, 2022People living in the settlements adjacent to landfills slated for expansion under an EBRD project were not adequately consulted.
Read moreRelated publications
Khudoni hydropower plant – a risky deal
Briefing | 21 November, 2011 | Download PDFThe proposed Khudoni hydro power plant poses the risk of an ecological disaster in one of the most amazing highland regions of Georgia. Additionally, the economic justification of the project is doubtful because the contract with the completely unknown, offshore Virgin Islands registered Georgian-Indian Company Transelectrica Ltd, is based on the BOO (Build-Own-Operate) principle that does not promise any significant income for the Georgian budget.
The EBRD and coal. Dirty business unnoticed.
Briefing | 3 October, 2011 | Download PDFDespite numerous international calls for the discontinuation of public support for fossil fuels in the face of climate change, the EBRD continues to finance the dirtiest among them, coal. What is more, the bank plans to expand its activities in this field. CEE Bankwatch Network urges the EBRD to phase out any support for coal industry making it more competitive and disadvantaging sustainable energy.
Comments on the draft EBRD country strategy for the Kyrgyz Republic
Policy comments | 5 August, 2011 | Download PDFAs the Kyrgyz Republic is an Early Transition Country with limited capacity for additional external borrowing and in light of recent political events in the country, Bankwatch emphasizes that the EBRD must carefully weigh and analyse any project it considers for financing in this particularly vulnerable country.
