PRIORITIES
What we focus on
Counter Balance aims to make European public finance a key driver of the transition towards socially and environmentally sustainable and equitable societies by fighting for a public finance that works for all.
Our work is organised around the following priority subjects: Climate Justice, Development & Human Rights and Transparency & Accountability.
Climate Justice
For a just transition
Climate change poses a real threat to our societies and livelihoods. Oftentimes it is forgotten how much of a role public finance institutions can play in fighting climate change.
Between 2016 and 2019, the European Investment Bank (EIB) - the largest multilateral lender in the world - financed high-carbon operations worth € 28.7 billion in the energy and transport sectors only.
By making the right investment decisions, the EIB and other public institutions can play a pivotal role in our common struggle against climate change and steer our economies onto a more sustainable path.
Development and Human Rights
For basic human rights
Public banks have an enormous impact on the livelihoods and living conditions of people in their countries of operations around the world. We keep a close eye on institutions such as the EIB and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to ensure that the protection of human rights lies at the heart of their operations.
Transparency & Accountability
For better governance
Public banks such as the EIB work with public funds, and it is crucial for citizens to be aware of decisions made on their behalf.
We promote and advocate for more transparency, democratic control and stronger accountability mechanisms for these institutions. We support our findings and recommendations through case studies illustrating the impact of public financial flows.