EBRD’s new accountability mechanism goes into effect

The EBRD is launching a Project Complaint Mechanism, which is expected to enhance the accountability and transparency of the Bank’s operations. Intended to facilitate the processing of complaints regarding Bank-financed projects, this new mechanism replaces the Independent Recourse Mechanism that has been in force since July 2004.

Following a thorough process of review, including extensive public consultation, the new Project Complaints Mechanism includes features that make it more accessible and also strengthen the Bank’s ability to monitor clients’ commitment to relevant EBRD policies.

In particular, the new mechanism benefits from an improved and more user-friendly registration system and wider universe of potential complainants – the Mechanism is now open to individuals, groups and civil society organisations directly located or having interests in the area of an EBRD-funded project.

The Mechanism also provides more opportunities for consultations with all relevant parties and publication of monitoring reports. To further increase the independence of the Mechanism the Bank has appointed a dedicated Project Complaints Mechanism Officer who is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Mechanism.