Countering shrinking space: How multilateral development banks can empower civil society in the Western Balkans, Caucasus and Central Asia
February 25, 2025
This publication examines how multilateral development banks have failed to adequately protect civil society in the Caucasus, Western Balkans, and Central Asia.
Holding the EIB and EBRD accountable: Are their grievance mechanisms effective?
November 20, 2024
In this report, we examine the alignment of the EIB and EBRD grievance mechanisms with the effectiveness criteria for the design and assessment of non-judicial complaints mechanisms set out in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Kyrgyzstan’s crackdown on civil society: Are international development banks doing enough?
February 20, 2024
Kyrgyzstan is one of the few countries in Central Asia with an active and vibrant civil society, represented by strong human right defenders and active environmental and social issue groups. Last year, however, the Kyrgyz government proposed two repressive laws on non-governmental organisations and the media, which represent a major setback for the country’s democratic future.
A call to defend the independence of accountability mechanisms
October 9, 2023
Bankwatch joins other community advocates around the world in sounding the alarm about growing threats to the independence of accountability mechanisms attached to international financial institutions and other development agencies.
Жители сел Винницкой области борются с МХП: люди опасаются соседства с птицефабрикой
January 28, 2022
О трехлетнем противостоянии громад и агрохолдинга говорится в материале ZN,UA.
МХП vs громады: три года непростого противостояния
January 27, 2022
Как маленькие люди противостоят крупному бизнесу
In October Bulgaria’s Maritsa East Mines celebrated a record 1 622 556 tonnes of lignite extracted
November 18, 2021
In October Bulgaria’s Maritsa East Mines celebrated a record 1 622 556 tonnes of lignite extracted. Rising gas and electricity prices at …
Nenskra hydropower project: update
January 29, 2021
Since it was first proposed, the Nenskra hydropower project in Georgia has raised significant controversy and concerns among the indigenous Svan communities living near the proposed plant, as well as the general public in Georgia. The accountability mechanisms of the EIB, EBRD and ADB have found numerous violations of the lenders’ environmental and human rights standards, as well as violations of the rights of affected Svan communities.
No proper benchmark for checking European Export Credit Agencies’ compliance with EU objectives
September 4, 2020
Despite being the biggest class of public finance institutions operating internationally, export credit agencies (ECAs) are rarely subject to any public scrutiny. European ECAs declare the compliance with the non-binding OECD Common Approaches standards, but it’s an insufficient benchmark for evaluating compliance with the EU’s External Action obligations as stated by the relevant EU Regulation.
European Development Bank Significantly Strengthens its Grievance Mechanism – Reformed Mechanism Now More Independent
May 9, 2019
(Amsterdam, Prague, Washington, D.C.) — Civil society organizations welcomed the new grievance mechanism policy for the London-based European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
