European banks, pension funds and private equity funds have given financial assistance worth more than €450 million to Malaysian palm oil giant Sime Darby, responsible for environmental degradation and violations of national regulations in Liberia, according to new research from Friends of the Earth Europe [1]. An independent impact assessment released today by Reading University …
EU ministers leave door open for harmful food speculation
Little will be done to curb harmful food speculation today as EU finance ministers meet to approve their position on the new Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II) – which sets new regulations for financial markets. According to a broad coalition of environmental and development organisations, loopholes in the legislation will render it ineffective …
EU ministers leave door open for harmful food speculationRead more
Weed killer found in human urine across Europe
People in 18 countries across Europe have been found to have traces of the weed killer glyphosate in their urine, show the results of tests commissioned by Friends of the Earth Europe and released today [1]. The findings raise concerns about increasing levels of exposure to glyphosate-based weed killers, commonly used by farmers, public authorities …
Energy as usual at EU leaders summit
European leaders met today in Brussels to discuss energy policy. Their official conclusions show that concerns about high costs are delaying the transition to a clean and sustainable energy system. This is faulty thinking, according to environment group Friends of the Earth Europe, which believes much more urgent changes to Europe’s energy system are needed …
European banks fuel land-grabs in Uganda
European banks and pension funds continue to finance one of the largest and most destructive palm oil giants Wilmar International, according to new research released today by Friends of the Earth Europe [1]. Well known banks including HSBC, BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank and Rabobank offer financial assistance to Wilmar valuing over one billion euro, and …
Corporate reporting proposal not enough to improve companies’ behaviour
Brussels, April 16 – A proposal released today by the European Commission to require large European companies to report on environmental and social issues will not guarantee ethical corporate behaviour according to the European Coalition for Corporate Justice (ECCJ). [1] The group, representing 250 organisations in 15 countries, has been saying for years that new …
Corporate reporting proposal not enough to improve companies’ behaviourRead more
