Publications

Recently the Slovak parliament adopted Act 669/2007 which allows motorways to be built on private property that has not been bought or expropriated at the time of construction. This creates favorable conditions for private investors engaged in building highways under public-private partnership ( PPP ) schemes. The act directly violates the right to the peaceful enjoyment of possessions guaranteed by the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and its protocols, which is the basic norm of the EU in the area of human rights.

The letter highlights the recently-signed memorandum of understanding between Kazakh government and ArcelorMittal Temirtau that grants the company a number of special conditions, like fixed pollution fees regardless of the actual volume of pollutant emissions, and a fixed corporate income tax regardless of the results of the company's financial activities.

This letter highlights problems with two controversial transport projects, the Prague Ring Road and Katowice - Vienna connection proposed under the TEN-T program. Specifically in the case of the Prague Ring Road, these issues include nuclear safety regulations, inappropriate traffic mitigation measures and changes to the land use plan. Problematic issues with the Katowice - Vienna connection include environmental and transport efficiency concerns.

The first issue of this new bulletin, prepared by CEE Bankwatch Network and Friends of the Earth Europe, aims to provide ground-level information and commentaries on the implementation of the cohesion policy in central and eastern Europe (CEE). It is part of the campaign Billions for Sustainability which gives a voice to local concerns over the isuse of EU money for economically, socially and environmentally controversial projects and calls for the EU Funds to truly benefit people living across Europe and their environment.

The Caspian Sea with its fragile ecosystem is endangered by the newly developing offshore oil drilling on its north waters. Both the environment and the public health are put at risk due to the high concentration of toxic pollutants including gases in Kashagan oil. By financing that project BNP Paribas undermines the positive outcomes of pouring money into renewable energy sources as their stated commitment to combating climate change.