The European Investment Bank and climate action 2013-2015
May 23, 2016
The European Investment Bank’s lending for climate action between 2013 and 2015 shows that further structural changes are needed to align the bank’s portfolio with the objectives of the Paris agreement.
Do not fund Southern Gas Corridor with EU money
March 1, 2016
The flashbulbs at Azerbaijan’s official photo opportunities should not blind Europe’s leaders to the country’s accelerated descent into authoritarianism, writes Xavier Sol.
NGO open letter to EIB president: don’t finance the Southern Gas Corridor
January 28, 2016
In this letter, a group of 27 non-governmental organisations urge the President of the European Investment Bank not to finance the Southern Gas Corridor, a 3500 kilometres-long chain of gas pipelines from Azerbaijan to Europe. As the EIB considers granting the biggest loan of its history to the Consortium in charge of developing the western section of the project, the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), the group of NGOs warns about its most controversial aspects.
Up in smoke: the billions for Europe’s auto industry from the EU’s house bank
October 21, 2015
In the wake of last month’s Volkswagen (VW) emissions scandal, a Politico story, based on a Bankwatch analysis, revealed that the car manufacturer enjoyed generous public financial support from the European Investment Bank (EIB). But the full picture is even more disturbing.
The EU’s bank turns its back on Europe’s long term climate goals
October 8, 2015
It appears that before approving the European Investment Bank’s new climate strategy, the bank’s Board of Directors has removed a reference to the European Union’s long-term decarbonisation objectives as a guidance for the EIB’s climate action.
Bankwatch and Counter Balance statement on the adoption of the European Investment Bank Climate Strategy
September 22, 2015
“As Europe prepares to host the seminal UN climate summit in Paris at year’s end, the EU’s house bank is turning away from its commitment to finance the bloc’s climate action.
EIB board approves climate lending strategy, greens say it’s full of holes
September 22, 2015
The board of the European Investment Bank (EIB) on Tuesday approved a new climate lending strategy, which held the climate-focused portion of the bank’s total lending at 25% but aims to take climate considerations into account in all disbursements and focus on projects with more impact.
Slovenia and the Energy Union: clash in priorities, renewables as collateral damage
September 17, 2015
A leaked document, published here for the first time, that outlines the Slovenian government’s priorities for the EU’s Energy Union reveals a potential conflict with what the European Commission has on offer. Yet, neither promises ambitious strides towards more renewables.
To mobilise investments for energy efficiency, Commission needs to put money where its mouth is
August 26, 2015
Clear guidance is needed more than public assurances to make the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) be indeed a vehicle for energy efficiency. Counter to public statements, the current set-up does not promise to be effective.
Romanian environmental inspectorate orders closure of two coal plants operating outside EU pollution laws
June 30, 2015
Last week the Environmental Inspectorate in Hunedoara, Romania demanded the closure of two thermal power plants at Mintia and Paroşeni, because neither of the units complies with air quality requirements of the EU’s Large Combustion Plants Directive (LCPD). Hunedoara Energy Complex, which manages the Mintia and Paroşeni plants, has challenged the decision in court.
