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Ido Liven
e-mail: ido.liven@bankwatch.org
Tel.: +48 22 892 00 86
skype: ido.bwn

 

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NGOs welcome enquiry by Paris prosecutor into financial crimes related to the VINCI CONCESSIONS RUSSIE SA Moscow-St. Petersburg motorway
October 4, 2013

Paris, 3 October 2013 - Today’s announcement by the Paris Prosecutor to open a preliminary enquiry into financial crimes related to the construction of a motorway between Moscow and St. Petersburg [1] has been welcomed by NGOs Sherpa, Russie-Libertés, CEE Bankwatch Network, MOBO Princip, and members of Russian civil society, who lodged the complaint in June 2013.

Leading green NGOs in Europe tell the EBRD to step out of coal
September 30, 2013

Brussels – As the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development today closes the public consultation period on its upcoming energy strategy, a coalition of the ten largest environmental organisations working at the European level, the Green 10, is calling on the bank to phase out fossil fuels from its future lending, beginning with coal, and to rule out lending to risky energy sources, such as nuclear and shale gas.

High dust emissions and low efficiency levels pose serious risks to Montenegro lignite project, new analysis shows
September 18, 2013

Podgorica, Montenegro -- Failure to comply with the latest EU pollution standards poses serious risks for the planned 220 MW Pljevlja II lignite-fired power plant in Montenegro, according to an analysis published today by NGOs CEE Bankwatch Network and Green Home.

In Georgia, locals voice opposition to mega dam during consultations despite intimidation
September 17, 2013

Khaishi – A public debate over the fate of the Khudoni dam in western Georgia turned tense today as locals opposing the project were intimidated by authorities and the project developer, Transelectrica LTD. Despite the threats, villagers in Khaishi turned out in significant numbers to the consultation to express their opposition to the project.

EBRD gives up Kolubara B lignite power plant project in Serbia
September 9, 2013

Subotica, Serbia -- The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) confirmed Friday September 6 that it is no longer interested in financing the 750 MW Kolubara B lignite power plant project near Belgrade in Serbia. The project is proposed by Serbian electricity company Elektroprivreda Srbija, with Italy's Edison as a strategic partner.

Pressure builds on EBRD to quit coal lending
September 4, 2013

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development lags behind other major international financial institutions that are moving away from supporting dirty energy projects.

Montenegrins criticise plan to bypass tender procedure in Pljevlja II coal plant procurement
July 29, 2013

Montenegrin NGOs Green Home and MANS have today sharply criticised Montenegrin government plans to choose a strategic partner for the EUR 300 million, 220 MW Pljevlja II lignite power plant [1] without conducting a proper tender. Instead the government has stated that it plans to sign an intergovernmental agreement and enact a special law on the project [2], thus signalling, according to the groups, that it plans to use a loophole in the law to avoid a tender procedure. [3]

EIB restricts - but does not eliminate - coal and other fossil fuel lending
July 24, 2013

Brussels -- The European Investment Bank (EIB) announced today an energy policy that while introducing stringent criteria for financing coal power plants does not eliminate the possibility of support for coal or other fossil fuel energy sources.

The EBRD plans more climate damaging loans in new energy policy draft
July 22, 2013

London – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) published July 19 a draft (pdf) of its future energy policy. According to CEE Bankwatch Network, although the bank correctly depicts the urgency of transitioning towards low-carbon economies, it falls short when it comes to commitments: lending to fossil fuels is envisaged to continue, including for coal, the dirties of fossil fuels; and promises to support renewables and energy efficiency, though welcome, are not accompanied by persuasive benchmarks and timelines.

Environment 'hollowed-out' of future Cohesion Policy - NGOs slam EP vote
July 10, 2013

Brussels, July 10, 2013 – The green potential of a third of Europe’s budget for 2014-2020 has been hollowed-out following a vote in the European Parliament today, according to Bankwatch and Friends of the Earth Europe. The committee for regional development (REGI) has approved proposals to reform EU Structural Funds – money intended to improve the economic well-being of regions – which include a last-minute shift from legally-binding to voluntary environmental spending.