EIB must tighten oversight of Georgia’s East–West Highway projects amid authoritarian crackdown
October 26, 2026
Georgia has been in authoritarian freefall since spring 2024. In response, the EIB, in line with the EU’s position, has not issued any new sovereign loans to the country. However, the Bank still holds a significant active portfolio there, including the East-West Highway road projects. In this brief we document several of the environmental and social costs that the Bank has failed to account for.
Leaving no one behind? LGBTIQ+ inclusion in EIB policies, safeguards and investments
October 21, 2026
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has established a range of policy and safeguarding frameworks to promote gender equality, non-discrimination, and social inclusion across its operations. Despite these commitments, the EIB’s current policy architecture does not coherently promote and protect the rights of LGBTIQ+ people throughout the project cycle.
Vinnytsia Poultry Farm: Agri-oligarchy and its impacts in Ukraine
June 25, 2026
This briefing showcases the vast and sprawling Vinnytsia Poultry Farm and its impact on the lives of local villagers ever since construction began in 2010.
Briefing to the EIB Board on Rogun Hydropower Project in Tajikistan
June 12, 2026
The Rogun Hydropower Project in Tajikistan raises serious concerns regarding freshwater ecosystems, the resettlement of 60,000 people, regional water security and human rights within the context of severely restricted civic space. As the European Investment Bank (EIB) is appraising the project, civil society groups are calling on the EIB’s Board of Directors to ensure compliance with the Bank’s Environmental and Social Standards and relevant EU standards.
Falling into the same trap: The EBRD’s intermediated exposure to the Amulsar gold mine
June 7, 2026
The EBRD’s indirect involvement in the Amulsar gold mine in Armenia through Ameriabank has raised concerns about compliance with its Environmental and Social Policy, due to unresolved legacy issues associated with the project.
Civil Society Comments on the Draft New Policy of EIB Group Complaints Mechanism
May 19, 2026
In May 2026, 21 civil society organisations submitted joint comments on the draft new policy of the EIB Group Complaints Mechanism. Among other things, we called for a clear mandate and capacity to facilitate effective remedy, stronger independence and improved transparency and predictability.
The EBRD’s new gender strategy risks falling short at a critical moment
May 12, 2026
At a time when gender equality is under mounting pressure globally, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is preparing to adopt its new Gender Equality and Human Capital Strategy (2026–2030). The stakes could not be higher. Progress on gender equality and inclusion is not only stalling across the EBRD’s regions, it is actually reversing. Given the EBRD’s democracy mandate and its advanced experience in promoting gender equality, it is crucial for the Bank to adopt a robust strategy.
Justice delayed in Nepal: The EIB Group Complaints Mechanism and the Tanahu hydropower project
April 30, 2026
Bankwatch, together with the Community Empowerment and Social Justice Network (CEMSOJ) and the International Accountability Project, presents a case study on the Tanahu hydropower project in Nepal, in which the current EIB-CM has proven ineffective. The organisations also make recommendations for the ongoing review of the Complaints Mechanism Policy.
Georgia’s East–West and North–South road projects: The billion-dollar infrastructure gambles that should make the ADB think twice
April 29, 2026
The East–West Highway and the North–South Corridor – two of Georgia’s most ambitious road projects supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) – have had devastating social, environmental and cultural impacts.
Joint civil society statement on the draft EBRD Gender Equality and Human Capital Strategy
April 27, 2026
Twenty-eight civil society organisations have issued a joint statement calling on the EBRD to strengthen its strategy. They urge the Bank to adopt a more ambitious, rights-based approach that tackles backlash and addresses structural inequalities to ensure inclusive and accountable development outcomes.
