New Documents
[Comments EU/IFI policies] Comments on the EBRD draft Public Information Policy
(May 2, 2008)
[Comments EU/IFI policies] Comments on the EBRD draft environmental and social policy and performance requirements
(April 15, 2008)
[NGO Study] Energy Matters: the Vlora coastal terminal. Fact-finding mission report on energy and industry developments in Vlora, Albania
(April 5, 2008)
The report summerises the findings of a recent Bankwatch and partner NGO fact-finding mission to Albania, in which meetings with the Albanian authorities, IFIs, investors and affected communities provided insights into large industrial and energy developments in the region.
Bankwatch is seriously concerned about the lack of a coherent development strategy for Vlora district from the EBRD’s side as well as the imbalance in the EBRD’s overall lending portfolio in Albania which seems to favour energy, oil and heavy industry over agribusiness, tourism, energy efficiency and lending to small and medium enterprise.
Bankwatch is seriously concerned about the lack of a coherent development strategy for Vlora district from the EBRD’s side as well as the imbalance in the EBRD’s overall lending portfolio in Albania which seems to favour energy, oil and heavy industry over agribusiness, tourism, energy efficiency and lending to small and medium enterprise.
[NGO Study] EBRD financed Tbilisi Public Transport Project
(March 1, 2008)
Tbilisi, with a population of more than 1.5 million people, manifests all the signs of environmental stress - poor air quality, excessive noise, traffic congestion, loss of green areas and degradation of historical buildings and monuments. Road transport is responsible for an increasing share of total air emissions, their contribution rising from some 70 percent in 1991 to about 91 percent in 2005. In July 2005, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development lent EUR 3 million to the "Municipal Auto Transport Company Ltd". The project was aiming to purchase 150 municipal buses, spare parts and workshop equipment and reform the regulatory framework for public transport in Tbilisi. However, the implementation of the project has actually led to increased environmental and social stress, while the development of a sustainable public transport scheme that would mitigate existing problems is still not defined.
There is much to be done in order to reform the public transport management system in a way which responds to the needs of Tbilisi’s citizens but the top priority should be given to the development and public discussion of a Tbilisi City Sustainable Transport Management Plan and undertaking a social assessment to identify mitigation measures for vulnerable people.
There is much to be done in order to reform the public transport management system in a way which responds to the needs of Tbilisi’s citizens but the top priority should be given to the development and public discussion of a Tbilisi City Sustainable Transport Management Plan and undertaking a social assessment to identify mitigation measures for vulnerable people.
[NGO Study] The Gilgel Gibe affair: an analysis of the Gilbel Gibe hydroelectric projects in Ethiopia
(February 28, 2008)
The study illustrates the dangers that accompany large energy infrastructure
projects whenever the interests of a major private company coincide not only with weak
governance in the host country but also very clear willingness from financial institutions
to provide funding, in spite of alarming project oversights and impacts. The study shows
how goals to eradicate poverty and support local communities can be easily compromised
when major corporations and/or political elites are intent on maximising profits.
[Policy letter] EIB response to the Green 10 letter regarding consultations on the EIB transport lending policy
(February 27, 2008)
[Policy letter] NGO letter of concern regarding priority projects approved by the Ministerial Council of the South East Europe Energy Community Treaty
(February 26, 2008)
[Policy letter] European civil society concerns about inadequate policies and practices of the European Investment Bank: memo for European parliamentarians in the run-up to discussion of the EIB Annual Report 2006
(February 25, 2008)
[Policy letter] Response from the EBRD regarding the NGO declaration on the murder of Russian civil activist Dmitry Troyan
(February 24, 2008)
[Policy letter] NGO letter to the EBRD regarding financing of the Bautino II project and infrastructures related to offshore oil extraction on the Caspian Sea, Kazakhstan
(February 15, 2008)
[Policy letter] Letter to the EBRD EDs regarding the Tbilisi Water Supply Improvement Project
(February 14, 2008)
[Policy letter] Letter to the EIB regarding consultations on the EIB transport lending policy
(February 8, 2008)
[Response] EIB response to the Green 10 letter regarding consultations on the EIB transport lending policy
(February 27, 2008)
[Policy letter] NGO declaration on the murder of Russian civil activist Dmitry Troyan
(February 8, 2008)
[Response] Response from the EBRD regarding the NGO declaration on the murder of Russian civil activist Dmitry Troyan
(February 24, 2008)
[Policy letter] Letter to the EBRD, EIB and EC regarding the Czech Operational Programme Transport for 2007-2013
(February 6, 2008)
[Policy letter] Response from the EBRD regarding a letter about the World Bank's decision not to finance the Dniester PSP project
(February 5, 2008)
[Comments EU/IFI policies] Brief summary of the Operational Programme Transport from Czech NGOs: deficiencies in preparation and controversial projects
(February 5, 2008)
[Comments EU/IFI policies] Towards a low-carbon cohesion policy: suggestions for making the EU structural and cohesion funds supportive of EU climate and energy objectives
(January 31, 2008)
[Policy letter] Letter to EBRD regarding the World Bank's decision not to finance the Dniester PSP project
(January 29, 2008)
Download: Letter to EBRD regarding the World Bank's decision not to finance the Dniester PSP project
(PDF)
[Response] Response from the EBRD regarding a letter about the World Bank's decision not to finance the Dniester PSP project
(February 5, 2008)
CEE Bankwatch Network gratefully acknowledges EU funding support.