Comments on the existing EBRD Energy Sector Strategy from 2013
February 27, 2018
Bankwatch reviewed the EBRD’s energy lending during the strategy period and used this lens to look at the text of the bank’s 2013 Energy Strategy: what needs to be continued and strengthened and what needs to be changed. The focus is on priority issues …
EUR 1.5 billion public loan for controversial pipeline withheld
December 12, 2017
Today, at a board meeting in Luxembourg the European Investment Bank has decided, for now, to postpone loaning 1.5 billion euros to the controversial Trans-Adriatic Pipeline.
Between TAP and a hard place – Albanian farmers receive peanuts after losing land and livelihoods to gas pipeline
November 30, 2017
Interviews in Albania revealed a barrage of complaints about how the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline has been treating farmers affected by the mega gas project that may soon receive a record loan from the European Investment Bank.
Land lost but not forgotten
November 30, 2017
Impacts of the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline on the land and livelihoods of farmers in Albania In May 2017, Bankwatch, together with the Albanian Helsinki Committee undertook a mission along the corridor of the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline in Albania to talk to p …
Europe’s murky Eastern energy deals
November 24, 2017
Millions of euros in public money are being invested in large infrastructure projects in the EU’s eastern neighbours in total disregard for Europe’s climate goals, and local communities, writes Manana Kochladze.
Comments on the EBRD’s draft Extractive Mining Industries Strategy for 2018-2022
November 20, 2017
Bankwatch’s comments focus on the following areas: Sustainability and the Circular Economy, Transparency Standards, Human Rights, Coal Mining and Climate, Diversification, Resilience and Integration. See also our comments on Thermal and coking coal in …
Major European loan to controversial Azerbaijani gas pipeline risks fuelling corruption, human rights abuse and climate change
October 18, 2017
A USD 500 million loan approved today by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for the construction of the Trans Anatolian Pipeline is set to benefit, among others, state-owned companies in Azerbaijan and Turkey.
MHP: ‘Business as usual’ while communities suffer
September 29, 2017
The massive loans by public banks for Ukraine’s monopolist poultry producer MHP have not brought the company’s performance and culture in line with the relevant EU and EBRD standards. Rural communities say that if it continues with ‘business as usual’, they face more violence and suppression.
Human rights concerns over EIB loan to TANAP
September 12, 2017
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is currently considering financing the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP), which will run through Turkey transporting natural gas extracted in Azerbaijan. A group of 24 NGOs are writing to express our concer …
Southern Gas Corridor
June 30, 2017
This system of mega-pipelines meant to bring gas from Azerbaijan to Europe, is unnecessary for Europe’s declining gas demand. But the billions in public investments will boost Azerbaijan’s dictatorial regime and cause upheaval for transit communities in Turkey, Greece, Albania and Italy.
