On 6 June 2007, FERN and ECA-Watch submitted their suggestions for language and major points of concern to be considered in the revision of the OECD Recommendation on Environment and Officially Supported Export Credits. The suggestions relate to:
- Transparency
- Reporting and Monitoring of impacts of approved projects
- Consultation and Participation
- Extractive Sector Revenue and Contract Transparency
- International Standards
(May 31, 2007) A joint ECA-Watch/FERN press release: On 23-24 April 2007, the OECD’s Export Credit Working Group (ECG) appears set to approve revised and weakened environmental and social standards governing projects supported by export credit guarantees or loans of greater than 10 million SDRs (US$15.3 million or 11.2 million).
Article 13 of the virtually final negotiating draft of these standards, known as the ‘Recommendation on Common Approaches on Environment and Officially Supported Export Credits’, allows export credit agencies (ECAs) to opt out of applying any standards at all, provided that they report this to the notoriously secretive and effectively unaccountable OECD working group.
(May 31, 2007) On 9 November 2006, FERN and ECA-Watch submitted their comments and proposed changes to the draft text of the revised OECD Recommendation on Common Approaches on Environment and Officially Supported Export Credits.
(15 May 2007) It has been reported in Die Presse, the Austrian newspaper, that the Iraqi Foreign Minister wrote to the European Commission protesting against the Ilisu Dam and demanding the EC’s intervention. FERN has obtained the letter and, on 15.5.2007, wrote to Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner, asking what steps the Commission is taking to address the concerns raised by Iraq.
(March 19, 2007) At the occasion of the Newroz celebrations 2007, the European ECA Reform Campaign reaffirms its opposition to European export credit support for the planned Ilisu Dam in Southeast Turkey. It also expresses solidarity with the many thousands who are currently living under the threat of displacement and those working to support their interests.
(June 1, 2003) Press Release – NGOs propose detailed revisions to the OECD recommendations to establish “common approaches” to environmental and social guidelines for ECAs
Two press releases from June 2006, on the European Parliament examination of corruption in te Lesotho Highlands Water Project, with EU financial backing. Also one background brieifng from 2002 aimed at explaining the case to MEPs.
(November 1, 2002) Press release calling for an overhaul of ECA policies.
(January 1, 2002) A memorandum from concerned non-governmental organisations
