Romanian coal mine blocked from expanding, but neighbours remain without water
December 11, 2017
The village of Lupoaia in southwest Romania depends on the mining company for their drinking water. The company wants to expand the nearby mine, thus further increasing the local pollution.
Guest post: Bulgarian gold in offshore paradise linked to European public lender
November 21, 2017
The profits of the richest Bulgarian gold mine are “optimised” through several Caribbean offshore companies and a Dutch cooperative. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is one of the shareholders.
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 …
Thermal and coking coal in the EBRD’s draft Mining Strategy
November 20, 2017
In its new draft mining strategy, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development demonstrates that it is still ready to finance coal mining.
The worst was yet to come – ludicrous air pollution in Romanian village
June 8, 2017
Levels of particulate matter (fine dust) in Rosia de Jiu, Romania were up to 20 times above the limit suggested by the World Health Organisation, show the results of our independent monitoring.
The Runcurel expropriations, Europe’s second most harmful subsidy
May 22, 2017
The Romanian Government has been named and shamed today in a public fossil fuel subsidies awards ceremony in Brussels for fostering land expropriations required for expanding a coal mine, displacing families and destroying nature.
Serbian mining company ignores desperate calls for compensation while Kolubara mine is reaching family houses
May 8, 2017
Life is a living hell for families in Vreoci, Serbia, where lignite excavators have almost reached their houses. As the mine’s financier, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development must not allow Serbian state utility EPS to create a fait accompli that leaves locals with scraps and without home.
Doing the same thing and expecting different results: Mongolia plans to curb air pollution with more coal
May 3, 2017
A new law on air pollution recently adopted by the Mongolian government is in part the result of massive demonstrations against air pollution in the capital. The new policy, however, involves even more reliance on coal.
Mongolia’s energy sector: time for a rethink
May 3, 2017
This report is meant as a background document for civil society in Mongolia and international groups to advocate for increased transparency and participation in priority energy projects; improved forecasts of power demand and alternatives for the sus …
Making the coal phase out fair for workers – unions, companies and environmentalists discuss just transition in Romania
April 11, 2017
A Romanian coal mining region is writing history today as representatives from unions, the coal industry and environmental organisations are coming together for the first time to discuss their communities’ future – with a common goal in mind.
