The EIB finally limits coal lending
August 1, 2013
For the last couple of years, we have been calling on the European Investment Bank to drop coal lending. Finally, we’re starting to see some results.
The EBRD plans more climate damaging loans in new energy policy draft
July 22, 2013
London – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) published July 19 a draft (pdf) of its future energy policy. According to CEE Bankwatch Network, although the bank correctly depicts the urgency of transitioning towards low-carbon economies, it falls short when it comes to commitments: lending to fossil fuels is envisaged to continue, including for coal, the dirties of fossil fuels; and promises to support renewables and energy efficiency, though welcome, are not accompanied by persuasive benchmarks and timelines.
New facts are busting energy myths
July 18, 2013
Adequate decision making on energy policies must be based on accurate information and cannot rely on outdated knowledge and misconceptions. A new series of fact sheets explores the myths and facts of Europe’s energy sector.
The EU’s bank is less ambitious than the US in restricting energy from coal
July 5, 2013
It may have been easy in the past for Europeans to bash the US for being retrograde when it comes to climate policies, but after last week it will get more difficult to do that.
[Campaign update] Kolubara landslide: Images of devastation, people waiting for compensation
July 3, 2013
People in Junkovac (Serbia) are still waiting for information on how they will be compensated after a landslide connected to the Kolubara lignite mine has destroyed several houses and terrified the town one month ago.
A tale of neglect: Energy finance figures from the Western Balkans
June 25, 2013
The neglect by international financial institutions of the Western Balkans sustainable energy potential will cost the region’s public heavily for years to come. Figures collected in a new study illustrate how the different international lenders perform in the region.
[Campaign update] Plomin project promoter not able to justify health risks of coal
June 21, 2013
Public discussions about the Plomin coal power plant’s health impacts show how both project promoters and public authorities prefer to ignore or play down uncomfortable arguments and evidence against the project.
EU leaders support green energy campaign: The European Council calls for phasing out fossil fuel subsidies
May 23, 2013
Just as Bankwatch published a new infographic juxtaposing the European Investment Bank’s beneficial and harmful energy lending, Europe’s political leaders have set a priority for energy investments to phase out fossil fuel subsidies and focus on clean energy instead.
The European Investment Bank’s energy lending: stuck in the past or facing the future?
May 23, 2013
The European Investment Bank, the house bank of the European Union, which directs a fifth of its annual lending portfolio of 60 to 70 billion euros to energy projects, is currently reviewing the policy document that guides its lending to the power sector. On this occasion, Bankwatch is publishing a poster of positive and negative examples of the bank’s lending to energy projects.
Regional funding negotiations – Green groups warn against last minute reintroduction of fossil fuel subsidies
May 16, 2013
With the final negotiations aimed at sealing agreement on the EU budget for 2014-20 now underway, environment NGOs are warning that a last minute amendment aimed at permitting EU subsidies for fossil fuels that are devastating for the climate must be rejected by negotiators of the future EU Cohesion Policy’s regional development funds.
