 BTC pipeline disaster looms
Sakhalin project destroys local fishery
Dam to flood ancient archeological site, fuel human rights violations
Unconsulted, uncompensated, displaced peasants close site
ECA supported power plants fuel 20X Kyoto gas reduction promises
ECA supports bridges to nowhere
ECA anti-bribery measures are half-hearted
etc. etc.
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| What are ECAs? Communities worldwide are becoming increasingly alarmed about the negative impacts of global finance institutions (like the WTO and the World Bank) on the environment and human rights. But other secretive government bodies, export credit agencies, have as big, if not bigger, such impacts. ECAs for the most part have no developmental mandate or obligations, yet they account for the single biggest source of debt in the developing world. [Learn More] |
ECA Watch
ECAs — the newer, bigger, badder banks.
Export credit agencies, or ECAs, have as big, if not bigger, impacts on the growth of irresponsible corporate globalization and national debt in the global south as better-known institutions like the World Bank and WTO. [Learn More]
What's New! Index
2005 2006 2007 2008
Highlights:
 NGOs blast JIBC and private banks for Sakhalin $5.3 billion finance plans
Britain's dirty business. The Sunday Times takes UK ECA to task for backing 2 projects which will result in the emission of more carbon dioxide than the entire annual output from the whole of the UK. National export credit agencies around the world are now coming under increasing scrutiny.
Europe wide protests over Ilisu Dam support by Germany, Austria & Switzerland
Sakhalin Energy
Chad's unrest is partially related to ECA supported pipeline project
ECA Watch submits paper outlining OECD export credit policy incoherence and weak implementation
Arbitrary Expropriation Begins at Contested Ilisu Dam Site in Turkey
Turkey flouts ECA conditions, highlighting weakness of OECD Common Approaches
OECD approves weakened environmental and social standards
26 March 2007, NGOs criticize German and Austrian approval of export credit guarantees for Ilisu Dam in Turkey
The UK's Serious Fraud Office has closed its corruption investigation into an Export Credit Guarantee Department (ECGD) guaranteed British defence contract with Saudi Arabia. ECA Watch members CAAT and the Corner House have retained solicitors and requested the SFO, Attorney General and Prime Minister to withdraw their decision to discontinue the investigation.
NGOs urge OECD Secretary General to intervene in ECA environmental standards talks ECA Watch has written to Mr. Gurria, asking him to intervene, to impress on OECD Members that these negotiations must come to terms with the enormous gap between their suggested text and the imminent environmental and social crisis which demands serious standards and regulation.
OECD reviews environmental standards The OECD's Working Party on Export Credits (ECG) is reviewing its Recommendation on Common Approaches to the Environment and Officially Supported Export Credits, with the hope of approving a new Recommendation late in 2006. NGOs led by ECA Watch have recommended substantial changes in the standards inherent in the Common Approaches
OECD approves a new enhanced anti-bribery policy for ECAs The export credit agencies (ECAs) of the OECD have agreed on improved common measures aimed at avoiding taxpayer support for export contracts that are tainted by bribery.
OECD ECAs recognise the value of the relevant aspects of the Core Values and Strategic Priorities of the World Commission on Dams Report. November 15, 2005 (OECD) OECD ECAs have approved new standards to be met if destructive large hydro-power projects are to be eligible for renewable energy incentives.
Banks supporting Chinese ECA risk indirect contravention of standards
August 9, 2005 (BBC) — Environmental organisations have warned that major banks may be contravening their environmental and social policies by helping to finance controversial projects indirectly. |
