The EBRD’s new Mining Operations Policy: A commentary on consultation process and content
November 2, 2012
The long awaited EBRD Mining Operations Policy was released last week without much noise. It has taken the EBRD more than 3 years to prepare a document which had raised hopes it could improve the bank’s activities in the mining sector. Most of these hopes, however, have not been fulfilled.
Environmentalists, get your keyboards ready: The European Investment Bank asks for inputs on its energy policy
October 11, 2012
With annually more than ten billion euros of investments in the energy sector, the EIB can have a tremendous influence on our energy future. If we want the bank to help us “get it right”, the time for providing inputs is now.
Europe’s unequal partnerships – a sad tale about energy
June 25, 2012
A too strong focus on energy security is steering Europe’s engagement with neighbouring states in a troublesome direction for the partnering countries.
Between the headlines: EBRD expansion demands policy-driven approach
June 14, 2012
With the European Parliament’s ratification of the expansion of EBRD operations to north Africa the question arises again: Is the bank fit for this purpose? The Parliament’s answer sounds like a resounding ‘maybe’.
Out of left field: A Kyrgyz inspiration for the EBRD
February 23, 2012
Following the publication of one official and one shadow report on the Kumtor gold mine, Kyrgyz authorities have responded to the calls of Bankwatch and other environmental groups to take a tougher stance on the Kumtor mining operations. The EBRD should follow their example.
Comments to draft EBRD country strategy for Romania
February 3, 2012
The struggle for a green Cohesion Policy has only just begun
December 1, 2011
While the potential of green investments is undeniable, statements from EU decision makers don’t paint the rosiest picture for a climate friendly Cohesion Policy 2014-2020.
There you have it: Green investments do create jobs
November 18, 2011
A study from the Czech Republic vividly confirms the positive economic impact of public support schemes for energy efficiency investments. The future Cohesion Policy can offer valuable stimuli for such schemes – if EU Member States set the right priorities now.
Five ways to bring Cohesion Policy closer to citizens
November 17, 2011
By allowing open and inclusive consultations on the future Cohesion Policy, Latvia is not only devising its national position in a more democratic way than other EU Member States. It is also setting an example for actually getting people interested in it.
The day renewable energy was killed in the Czech Republic
November 14, 2011
The Czech renewable energy industry last week received a strong blow from our very own Parliament which approved measures that will likely smother the sector in a bill ironically entitled the „Renewable energy sources support bill.”
