Counter Balance
A ”facelift” to the EIB: the EU financial arm needs forward-looking reforms
The European Investment Bank (EIB) celebrates this year its 60th anniversary. But the 1958-founded EU body and bank should now look forward and commit to becoming a more sustainable, accountable and transparent institution, writes Xavier Sol.
Southern Gas Corridor’s dubious contribution to energy security
Advertised by the EU as the silver bullet that will free Europe from its dependency on Russian gas, the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) is highly unlikely to ensure energy security and might in fact end up channelling Russian gas, warns Xavier Sol.
Why the EIB should not deal with the migration crisis
The EIB is not well placed to intervene in the migration crisis. The bank’s past form shows it lacks the human touch needed to succeed in this area, writes Xavier Sol.
Do not fund Southern Gas Corridor with EU money
The flashbulbs at Azerbaijan’s official photo opportunities should not blind Europe’s leaders to the country’s accelerated descent into authoritarianism, writes Xavier Sol