Lost in transition – 25 years of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
April 11, 2016
This report examines a selection of cases monitored by CEE Bankwatch Network and its partners in recent years and highlights some of the weaknesses observed in the EBRD’s approach to environmental, social, democracy and development issues. On 15 April 2016 the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will mark its 25th anniversary. This opportunity should kick-start a debate about what the London-based public bank has achieved since it started operations in 1991 and to reflect on its future.
Guest post: Walking the line
March 8, 2016
Plans for the Southern Gas Corridor / Euro-Caspian Mega Pipeline will solidify the west’s dependence on fossil fuels and authoritarian regimes. A new web documentary shows why we should stop and think.
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.
NGOs urge the European Investment Bank not to finance the Southern Gas Corridor
January 28, 2016
A group of 27 NGOs sent an open letter to the President of the European Investment Bank (EIB) today urging the Bank not to finance the Southern Gas Corridor, a 3500 kilometres-long chain of gas pipelines from Azerbaijan to Europe.
Greening the EBRD’s portfolio – or greenwashing it
December 17, 2015
No matter how you look at it, the so-called sustainable energy approach being taken – and loudly trumpeted – by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is simply at odds with both climate science and the recently adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Shaping the age of gas” – how the EU is locking in a destructive path
December 17, 2015
As efforts to realise a mega gas pipeline along the Southern Gas Corridor intensify, Re:Common’s Elena Gerebizza explains how democratic rights are at stake – and are being trampled on.
Azerbaijan: Sport for Rights coalition condemns sentencing of journalist Khadija Ismayilova
September 1, 2015
The Sport for Rights coalition strongly condemns the sentencing of Azerbaijani journalist Khadija Ismayilova to a staggering 7.5 years in jail. On 1 September, the Baku Court of Grave Crimes convicted Ismayilova on charges of embezzlement, illegal entrepreneurship, tax evasion, and abuse of office. Ismayilova was acquitted of the charge of inciting someone to attempt suicide. Sport for Rights considers the charges against Ismayilova to be politically motivated and connected to her work as an investigative journalist, particularly her exposure of corruption among the ruling Azerbaijani elite.
Azerbaijan: Sport for Rights coalition condemns sentencing of journalist Khadija Ismayilova
September 1, 2015
Коалиция «Спорт за права» решительно осуждает ошеломляющий приговор азербайджанской журналистке Хадидже Исмайловой, осужденной на 7,5 лет лишения свободы. 1 сентября Бакинский суд по тяжким преступлениям признал Исмайлову виновной по обвинениям в присвоении средств, незаконном предпринимательстве, уклонении от уплаты налогов и злоупотреблении должностными полномочиями. По обвинению в доведении человека до самоубийства Исмайлову оправдали. Коалиция «Спорт за права» считает, что обвинения против Исмайловой политически мотивированы и связаны с ее журналистскими расследованиями, в частности с разоблачениями коррупции среди правящей азербайджанской элиты.
Guest post: Behind the glitz of oil riches – the shrinking space for democracy in Azerbaijan
July 29, 2015
Last week, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development approved a loan over half a billion dollars for Lukoil’s share in the Shah Deniz gas field in Azerbaijan. In this guest post, rights activist Emma Hughes from Platform reflects on how business as usual resumes after the media attention on Azerbaijan’s human rights abuses has faded.
European funding for a Lukoil gas project in Azerbaijan tramples the EU’s commitment to both climate action and human rights
July 23, 2015
A USD 500 million loan for the share of Russian gas giant Lukoil in a major gas project in Azerbaijan has been approved yesterday by the Board of Directors of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Yet, the decision will significantly hinder Europe’s commitments to decarbonise as well as to advance democracy.
