What we do - Bankwatch

From a grassroots to the international level …

We investigate the impacts of public finance, work with affected communities and local organisations across the world and help them protect their rights and livelihoods. We make sure their stories are being told in Europe’s power centers.

We regularly meet representatives of the institutions we monitor and we’re in Brussels, too, doing our bit to make Europe a fairer, cleaner and sustainable place.

Focus areas

Institutions

Projects

Publications

Alternative news

We expose the risks of international public finance and bring critical updates from the ground.

We believe that the billions of public money should work for people and the environment.

FOCUS AREAS

Beyond coal

Coal is an outdated industry on its last leg. Public finance can move our economies in a new, socially responsible direction.

Rights, democracy, development

Public money must not become an auxiliary for human rights violations or the marginalisation of affected communities.

A people’s budget

The key to unlocking a positive new vision for Europe is rethinking the EU budget for a more equal and sustainable economy. An economy based on well-being.

INSTITUTIONS WE MONITOR

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

European Investment Bank

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

Post-2020 EU budget

OUR PROJECTS

Search our archived projects instead

Belgrade incinerator public private partnership (PPP), Belgrade, Serbia

The planned Belgrade waste incinerator, being considered for financing by the EBRD, EIB and IFC, is incompatible with waste prevention and recycling targets and endangers the already precarious livelihoods of the 12,000 people waste-picking in the city. The project’s environmental and social impact assessment fails to resolve numerous issues.

EBRD / EIB energy policy review

The European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development are both reviewing their energy sector lending policies. This is an opportunity to live up to their potential by combating climate change and promoting a sustainable future for all.

Destructive hydropower in southeast Europe

International commercial and public banks have been bankrolling a wave of hydropower projects across Southeast Europe that have damaged pristine rivers, including in protected areas. These financiers need to take their share of the responsibility and stop financing projects in sensitive areas.

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Chinese-built coal projects in Europe

Briefing | 14 September, 2020 | Download PDF

A real and immediate threat to the EU’s decarbonisation efforts

Green City Action Plan for Tbilisi – A Mere Formality?

Study | 31 July, 2020 | Download PDF

Tbilisi is a city of more than 1.2 million people,1 characterized by serious environmental challenges in terms of air, water and soil pollution. It also experiences problems with urban planning and mobility. This briefing analyses the lack of integration in international efforts to make Tbilisi a greener, more sustainable place to live.