'Right to appeal': International Financial Institutions and accountability –
on the way to an independent compliance and appeal mechanism for the European Investment Bank
Organised by CEE Bankwatch Network in cooperation with Friends of the Earth Europe, Friends of the Earth International, Global Transparency Initiative, Bank Information Center, Campagna per la Riforma della Banca Mondiale, WEED, Urgewald, Les Amis de la Terre
Thursday, 30 November 2006, Brussels, Eurovillage, 80 Boulevard Charlemagne - 1000 Brussels, BELGIUM
The governance and accountability of international financial institutions (IFIs) continues to suffer a democratic deficit that ultimately undermines the IFIs’ effectiveness, credibility and legitimacy. One important element of accountability is the right to appeal for those impacted by IFI activities. This conference, organised by CEE Bankwatch Network and other cooperating NGOs on 30 November 2006, discussed how an independent appeal and compliance mechanism could operationalise such a right. Also in attendance were speakers and participants from the EIB and other IFIs, the EU institutions, independent researchers, NGOs and the media.
The conference was divided into four panels and covered:
- An overview of important issues for IFI accountability;
- Existing mechanisms to ensure accountability, specifically at the European Investment Bank;
- The necessary ‘standards framework’ for financial institutions; and
- Elements of proper independent accountability mechanisms
The central point of discussion focused on concrete steps for the European Investment Bank, as one of the world´s largest public financial institutions to increase its accountability by operationalising the right for people to appeal against activities it finances.
AgendaView a photo gallery of the event
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Panel I:
Why the accountability of financial institutions is important? Need for accountability in the context of democracy deficiency 
Panel III: Standards' framework for EIB operations (international standards/conventions, EU law)
CEE Bankwatch Network gratefully acknowledges EU funding support.