Making the NGO community stronger photo: slideshow bobBy providing legal advice to environmental and human rights non-governmental organisations (NGOs) we make the NGO community stronger and level the playing field with the corporate world and the European Investment Bank (EIB). We have established a long-term relationship with CEE Bankwatch Network, the leading NGO working on the subject. An example of the work that we have conducted when assisting Bankwatch is a complaint we made against the EIB for refusing to engage in a public consultation when reviewing its transport lending policy. Some of the Bank’s priorities, such as funding more shipping and building new airports, are likely to have negative impacts on the global climate. Public participation is therefore critical. Our complaint was successful and the EIB has agreed to engage in public consultation when the policy is reviewed in 2010. We continue to provide Bankwatch with legal advice and have also started to collaborate with other NGOs, advising them on strategic actions they can take to influence the Bank’s activities. EIB reply to our complaint on its decision not to hold a public consultation on its transport lending policy |
