CEE Bankwatch Network

As part of our ongoing efforts to align with our core values, we’ve made the decision to step back from X (formerly Twitter) and shift our focus to platforms that better support our mission. As of now, this account will no longer be active. In recent years, we’ve observed a rise in misinformation, changes to algorithms that disproportionately impact non-governmental organizations, and troubling trends such as climate change denial and harmful content. After careful consideration, we feel it’s time to prioritize engagement through alternative channels. We invite you to connect with us on BlueSky 🦋 and LinkedIn, where we will continue to share our key messages and updates. Stay informed and engaged by signing up for our newsletter, and thank you for your continued support! Find us on BlueSky: bsky.app/profile/ceeban… Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cee-ba… Sign up for our newsletter: bankwatch.org/stay-up-to-date

#Compliance? Accountability? Remedy? Nope - #cotton producer #Indorama Agro in #Uzbekistan has prepaid its loans @EBRD & @IFC_org. Rights violations left unremedied, workers exposed to retaliations. Pic @ozodlik bit.ly/4hpvfzw 🧵

NEW | Solar generates more EU electricity than coal for the first time in 2024 🇪🇺☀️ Renewables made up nearly HALF of the electricity mix last year, while fossil power fell to a historic low ⚡ Read more at the link in bio 🔗

🌍 We're looking for an Energy Transformation Campaigner to help lead the charge in the Western Balkans. If you're passionate about tackling fossil fuels, promoting sustainable energy, and pushing for a zero-carbon future, this is your chance to make a real impact. 💡 Be part of a team working towards a fossil-fuel-free region, advocating for energy efficiency, renewables, and clean electricity grids. Ready to drive change? ✊⚡ Apply now: bankwatch.org/get-involved?r…

🏞️ The unique ecosystem of the Răstolița river in Romania is under threat from the Răstolița hydropower project, a relic of the communist era. Designed over 30 years ago, this outdated project will destroy protected habitats, wipe out one of the last breeding grounds of the Danube salmon, and violate multiple European environmental directives if it goes ahead. This minimal energy gain, 0.081 per cent of Romania’s annual energy production, will come at a massive environmental cost. 🔎 We urge the @EU_Commission to investigate Romania’s non-compliance with the Habitats and Water Framework Directives. We demand immediate intervention to prevent irreversible damage to this protected ecosystem. 📰Read our new story from Bankwatch Romania: bankwatch.org/story/rastolit… ✊Together for the Răstolița.

5/ See more in our briefing: bankwatch.org/publication/un…

4/ Financial institutions have to consider this when deciding on energy projects. The briefing therefore urges international financiers who wish to facilitate the heating transition in the Western Balkans to prioritise genuinely sustainable energy such as solar, geothermal, heat pumps and heat storage.

🌲🔥Burning trees for heating is not green energy. 1/ 🧵Development banks such as @KfW_int and the @EBRD can and must play an important role in the Western Balkans’ energy transition. But they must take into account the region’s poor environmental enforcement and stick to no-regrets solutions.

6/6 This investigation is an important step toward accountability. Public development banks must ensure their investments benefit to communities. ℹ️ Read more here: bankwatch.org/blog/ebrd-s-in…

5/6 CSOs have identified 80+ cases of retaliation such as security services & officials who systematically harass workers who speak out. Monitors face criminal threats, workers blocked from attending rights workshops & union activities.

1/6 🧵 The @EBRD’s accountability mechanism has opened an investigation into the Indorama Agro cotton project in Uzbekistan after concerns were raised about human rights violations. 👇👇👇 #accountability #EBRD

ℹ️ Our report ‘Cohesion policy at a crossroads’ highlights the upcoming mid-term review of EU funding – a critical moment for central & eastern Europe. Instead of prioritising short-term reallocations, this is the time to set ambitious targets for carbon neutrality. bankwatch.org/publication/co… #EU #CohesionPolicy #EUbudget

🪫 Fossil gas makes up only 3 per cent of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s energy supply. But the Federation’s government has announced plans to gasify the whole entity. This is completely detached from reality and must be stopped. It’s high time for the European Commission to clearly tell Western Balkan leaders that the era of gas is coming to an end. ℹ️Read more: bankwatch.org/blog/against-a…

🚨The Western Balkan countries’ Reform Agendas include environmentally damaging investment projects, including gas pipelines. Yet the @EU_Commission still approved them. Together with @CANEurope, we’ve asked for a formal review. 📰Read more: bankwatch.org/press_release/…

The European Investment Bank fears "reputational disaster" if it has to comply with new EU reporting rules, according to an internal email seen by FT. The EIB's own metrics present a much greener picture for the banks investments: ft.com/content/123998…