Counter Balance
@counter-balance.bsky.social
A coalition of European NGOs challenging public banks like the European Investment Bank on climate and human rights.
🔗 Website: https://counter-balance.org/
📰 Newsletter: http://bit.ly/486zZZs
🔗 Website: https://counter-balance.org/
📰 Newsletter: http://bit.ly/486zZZs
Pinned
Europe’s public finance is off track: The @eib.org props up “competitiveness,” the wealthy military complex & polluters’ “clean energy” projects—missing a green, just economy.
But what if we flipped the script? We ask @yanisvaroufakis.bsky.social on #EUWatchdogRadio 👉
bit.ly/41HAOod
But what if we flipped the script? We ask @yanisvaroufakis.bsky.social on #EUWatchdogRadio 👉
bit.ly/41HAOod
1) Export credit agencies (ECAs) are gaining space in EU debates on sustainable development, but there’s a catch. 🤔
ECAs exist to boost national companies abroad, not to reduce poverty or fight climate change. 🚫🌍
ECAs exist to boost national companies abroad, not to reduce poverty or fight climate change. 🚫🌍
November 18, 2025 at 11:56 AM
1) Export credit agencies (ECAs) are gaining space in EU debates on sustainable development, but there’s a catch. 🤔
ECAs exist to boost national companies abroad, not to reduce poverty or fight climate change. 🚫🌍
ECAs exist to boost national companies abroad, not to reduce poverty or fight climate change. 🚫🌍
Reposted by Counter Balance
🎟️ Our new documentary, premiering on 27 November in Brussels, exposes the voices and reality on the ground through interviews with those on the front lines of proposed new GH2 projects in South Africa.
Register now: corporateeurope.org/en/event/4
#GreenHydrogen
#GH2scramble
#H2scramble
Register now: corporateeurope.org/en/event/4
#GreenHydrogen
#GH2scramble
#H2scramble
November 17, 2025 at 12:35 PM
🎟️ Our new documentary, premiering on 27 November in Brussels, exposes the voices and reality on the ground through interviews with those on the front lines of proposed new GH2 projects in South Africa.
Register now: corporateeurope.org/en/event/4
#GreenHydrogen
#GH2scramble
#H2scramble
Register now: corporateeurope.org/en/event/4
#GreenHydrogen
#GH2scramble
#H2scramble
Reposted by Counter Balance
💸 Do you know how much money Big Tech is spending on lobbying in Brussels? How has this amount been increasing? On what is the money being funnelled to and what can we do about it?
📻 Listen to our new #podcast episode to find out 👉 corporateeurope.org/en/2025/11/t...
📻 Listen to our new #podcast episode to find out 👉 corporateeurope.org/en/2025/11/t...
November 13, 2025 at 9:16 AM
💸 Do you know how much money Big Tech is spending on lobbying in Brussels? How has this amount been increasing? On what is the money being funnelled to and what can we do about it?
📻 Listen to our new #podcast episode to find out 👉 corporateeurope.org/en/2025/11/t...
📻 Listen to our new #podcast episode to find out 👉 corporateeurope.org/en/2025/11/t...
Reposted by Counter Balance
Indigenous activists from Brazil stormed #COP30 demanding freedom for their territories from oil, mining, and logging interests.
“For us, the defeat of our land is felt on our own skin”
After decades of exploitation, Indigenous communities are saying: ENOUGH
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
“For us, the defeat of our land is felt on our own skin”
After decades of exploitation, Indigenous communities are saying: ENOUGH
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
November 13, 2025 at 7:54 AM
Indigenous activists from Brazil stormed #COP30 demanding freedom for their territories from oil, mining, and logging interests.
“For us, the defeat of our land is felt on our own skin”
After decades of exploitation, Indigenous communities are saying: ENOUGH
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
“For us, the defeat of our land is felt on our own skin”
After decades of exploitation, Indigenous communities are saying: ENOUGH
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
🎧 New season of #EUWatchdogRadio is out!
This episode dives into the EU’s green hydrogen plans in Morocco 🇲🇦 and what they really mean for energy sovereignty, local communities & gender justice.
🎙️ With @loraverheecke.bsky.social & Hikma Bachegour
@menafem.bsky.social
Listen here 👇
This episode dives into the EU’s green hydrogen plans in Morocco 🇲🇦 and what they really mean for energy sovereignty, local communities & gender justice.
🎙️ With @loraverheecke.bsky.social & Hikma Bachegour
@menafem.bsky.social
Listen here 👇
Green Hydrogen or Green Colonialism?
open.spotify.com
October 30, 2025 at 8:54 AM
🎧 New season of #EUWatchdogRadio is out!
This episode dives into the EU’s green hydrogen plans in Morocco 🇲🇦 and what they really mean for energy sovereignty, local communities & gender justice.
🎙️ With @loraverheecke.bsky.social & Hikma Bachegour
@menafem.bsky.social
Listen here 👇
This episode dives into the EU’s green hydrogen plans in Morocco 🇲🇦 and what they really mean for energy sovereignty, local communities & gender justice.
🎙️ With @loraverheecke.bsky.social & Hikma Bachegour
@menafem.bsky.social
Listen here 👇
🎙️ Stay tuned for a new season of EU Watchdog Radio!
A podcast launched by @counter-balance.bsky.social and @corporateeurope.org.
In each episode, we dive deeper into topics related to our activities in Brussels. 🇪🇺👇
A podcast launched by @counter-balance.bsky.social and @corporateeurope.org.
In each episode, we dive deeper into topics related to our activities in Brussels. 🇪🇺👇
New season coming soon!
open.spotify.com
October 28, 2025 at 10:49 AM
🎙️ Stay tuned for a new season of EU Watchdog Radio!
A podcast launched by @counter-balance.bsky.social and @corporateeurope.org.
In each episode, we dive deeper into topics related to our activities in Brussels. 🇪🇺👇
A podcast launched by @counter-balance.bsky.social and @corporateeurope.org.
In each episode, we dive deeper into topics related to our activities in Brussels. 🇪🇺👇
Yesterday, we heard the @eib.org speak about win-win partnerships and boosting defense spending to secure the EU’s strategic interests. 🇪🇺💬
But when we asked about the EIF venture capital invested in Israeli spyware firm Paragon Solutions, there were no answers. Silence speaks volumes. 🤐🩸
But when we asked about the EIF venture capital invested in Israeli spyware firm Paragon Solutions, there were no answers. Silence speaks volumes. 🤐🩸
October 22, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Yesterday, we heard the @eib.org speak about win-win partnerships and boosting defense spending to secure the EU’s strategic interests. 🇪🇺💬
But when we asked about the EIF venture capital invested in Israeli spyware firm Paragon Solutions, there were no answers. Silence speaks volumes. 🤐🩸
But when we asked about the EIF venture capital invested in Israeli spyware firm Paragon Solutions, there were no answers. Silence speaks volumes. 🤐🩸
🩸During the second panel, the @eib.org emphasised the need to continue increasing the defence and military sector.
In 2025, the bank would more than triple its defence-related financing. But is giving more money to companies making profit from war the solution? 🪖💣
In 2025, the bank would more than triple its defence-related financing. But is giving more money to companies making profit from war the solution? 🪖💣
October 21, 2025 at 12:55 PM
🩸During the second panel, the @eib.org emphasised the need to continue increasing the defence and military sector.
In 2025, the bank would more than triple its defence-related financing. But is giving more money to companies making profit from war the solution? 🪖💣
In 2025, the bank would more than triple its defence-related financing. But is giving more money to companies making profit from war the solution? 🪖💣
Reposted by Counter Balance
🪧 CSOs call on @eib.org to integrate the #EU’s development policy objectives into their Roadmap & strategic orientation: focusing on a pro-poor and sustainable development agenda aligned with the priorities of partner countries.
Read our full letter to the EIB bit.ly/4hoHX31
Read our full letter to the EIB bit.ly/4hoHX31
October 21, 2025 at 11:26 AM
🪧 CSOs call on @eib.org to integrate the #EU’s development policy objectives into their Roadmap & strategic orientation: focusing on a pro-poor and sustainable development agenda aligned with the priorities of partner countries.
Read our full letter to the EIB bit.ly/4hoHX31
Read our full letter to the EIB bit.ly/4hoHX31
📢 Today is the @eib.org ’s Board Seminar with Civil Society. The first panel discussion is on EIB Global, the bank’s branch that gives loans outside the EU.
Let’s get into some important topics discussed during the event. 🧵👇
Let’s get into some important topics discussed during the event. 🧵👇
October 21, 2025 at 10:21 AM
📢 Today is the @eib.org ’s Board Seminar with Civil Society. The first panel discussion is on EIB Global, the bank’s branch that gives loans outside the EU.
Let’s get into some important topics discussed during the event. 🧵👇
Let’s get into some important topics discussed during the event. 🧵👇
Reposted by Counter Balance
Critical analysis @counter-balance.bsky.social on the new Climate Strategy of the @eib.org
It is backtracking from a strategy to go for fossil fuel free future soon and wants to pour public money in stranded investments (CCS e.g) at a moment responding to climate change needs firm action
It is backtracking from a strategy to go for fossil fuel free future soon and wants to pour public money in stranded investments (CCS e.g) at a moment responding to climate change needs firm action
1) 💶 The European Investment Bank (EIB) released its 2026–2030 Climate Strategy.
The self-proclaimed “EU Climate Bank” is now hitting the break before achieving its climate goals. 🏭 🏢
Here’s what you need to know 🧵👇
The self-proclaimed “EU Climate Bank” is now hitting the break before achieving its climate goals. 🏭 🏢
Here’s what you need to know 🧵👇
October 21, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Critical analysis @counter-balance.bsky.social on the new Climate Strategy of the @eib.org
It is backtracking from a strategy to go for fossil fuel free future soon and wants to pour public money in stranded investments (CCS e.g) at a moment responding to climate change needs firm action
It is backtracking from a strategy to go for fossil fuel free future soon and wants to pour public money in stranded investments (CCS e.g) at a moment responding to climate change needs firm action
1) 💶 The European Investment Bank (EIB) released its 2026–2030 Climate Strategy.
The self-proclaimed “EU Climate Bank” is now hitting the break before achieving its climate goals. 🏭 🏢
Here’s what you need to know 🧵👇
The self-proclaimed “EU Climate Bank” is now hitting the break before achieving its climate goals. 🏭 🏢
Here’s what you need to know 🧵👇
October 21, 2025 at 7:11 AM
1) 💶 The European Investment Bank (EIB) released its 2026–2030 Climate Strategy.
The self-proclaimed “EU Climate Bank” is now hitting the break before achieving its climate goals. 🏭 🏢
Here’s what you need to know 🧵👇
The self-proclaimed “EU Climate Bank” is now hitting the break before achieving its climate goals. 🏭 🏢
Here’s what you need to know 🧵👇
@simplyshada.bsky.social highlighted key questions about the Global Gateway:
Who really benefits? Where are the local jobs, the technology transfer, the community ownership?
Read her full article 👇🏽
Who really benefits? Where are the local jobs, the technology transfer, the community ownership?
Read her full article 👇🏽
EU Global Gateway: between reality and hype
Not everyone is willing to play the EU's game of “start-up to scale-up”. Some want a say in crafting the rules of the Global Gateway.
open.substack.com
October 10, 2025 at 10:27 AM
@simplyshada.bsky.social highlighted key questions about the Global Gateway:
Who really benefits? Where are the local jobs, the technology transfer, the community ownership?
Read her full article 👇🏽
Who really benefits? Where are the local jobs, the technology transfer, the community ownership?
Read her full article 👇🏽
Reposted by Counter Balance
"We must build mutual partnerships: mobilising public money to prioritise local actors, based on local needs."
- Frank Vanaerschot @frankcb.bsky.social @counter-balance.bsky.social
- Frank Vanaerschot @frankcb.bsky.social @counter-balance.bsky.social
October 8, 2025 at 9:31 AM
"We must build mutual partnerships: mobilising public money to prioritise local actors, based on local needs."
- Frank Vanaerschot @frankcb.bsky.social @counter-balance.bsky.social
- Frank Vanaerschot @frankcb.bsky.social @counter-balance.bsky.social
🔴 Starting now | What are the real implications of the #GlobalGateway strategy❓
Today we'll discuss w/ civil society, affected communities & policymakers the impacts of #energy, mining, #climate & infrastructure projects on the ground.
Join via Zoom: bit.ly/4o5Uryp
Today we'll discuss w/ civil society, affected communities & policymakers the impacts of #energy, mining, #climate & infrastructure projects on the ground.
Join via Zoom: bit.ly/4o5Uryp
October 8, 2025 at 7:24 AM
🔴 Starting now | What are the real implications of the #GlobalGateway strategy❓
Today we'll discuss w/ civil society, affected communities & policymakers the impacts of #energy, mining, #climate & infrastructure projects on the ground.
Join via Zoom: bit.ly/4o5Uryp
Today we'll discuss w/ civil society, affected communities & policymakers the impacts of #energy, mining, #climate & infrastructure projects on the ground.
Join via Zoom: bit.ly/4o5Uryp
🏦 @eib.org's “strong engagement” with civil society on the review of the Climate Bank Roadmap:
☀️ One consultation in mid-summer
📄 No draft shared
⏳ 2 weeks for feedback
🔗 Link to the roadmap delayed for days
☀️ One consultation in mid-summer
📄 No draft shared
⏳ 2 weeks for feedback
🔗 Link to the roadmap delayed for days
October 7, 2025 at 10:08 AM
🏦 @eib.org's “strong engagement” with civil society on the review of the Climate Bank Roadmap:
☀️ One consultation in mid-summer
📄 No draft shared
⏳ 2 weeks for feedback
🔗 Link to the roadmap delayed for days
☀️ One consultation in mid-summer
📄 No draft shared
⏳ 2 weeks for feedback
🔗 Link to the roadmap delayed for days
Reposted by Counter Balance
🚨 Civil society needs a seat at the table in the EU's Global Gateway!
Ahead of the Global Gateway Forum, we've published an advocacy toolkit to equip CSOs to shape the future of Global Gateway so it reduces poverty and advances sustainable development.
Learn more ➡️ bit.ly/4nYS9RA
Ahead of the Global Gateway Forum, we've published an advocacy toolkit to equip CSOs to shape the future of Global Gateway so it reduces poverty and advances sustainable development.
Learn more ➡️ bit.ly/4nYS9RA
October 2, 2025 at 1:42 PM
🚨 Civil society needs a seat at the table in the EU's Global Gateway!
Ahead of the Global Gateway Forum, we've published an advocacy toolkit to equip CSOs to shape the future of Global Gateway so it reduces poverty and advances sustainable development.
Learn more ➡️ bit.ly/4nYS9RA
Ahead of the Global Gateway Forum, we've published an advocacy toolkit to equip CSOs to shape the future of Global Gateway so it reduces poverty and advances sustainable development.
Learn more ➡️ bit.ly/4nYS9RA
Reposted by Counter Balance
🇪🇺 wants to import 🔟 million tonnes of green hydrogen from the global south. These extractive projects will:
🛑 displace communities
🛑 overexploit water
🛑 undermine energy access
Join us tonight for a docu screening & discussion on the scramble for hydrogen in South Africa to learn more.
🛑 displace communities
🛑 overexploit water
🛑 undermine energy access
Join us tonight for a docu screening & discussion on the scramble for hydrogen in South Africa to learn more.
October 1, 2025 at 12:47 PM
🇪🇺 wants to import 🔟 million tonnes of green hydrogen from the global south. These extractive projects will:
🛑 displace communities
🛑 overexploit water
🛑 undermine energy access
Join us tonight for a docu screening & discussion on the scramble for hydrogen in South Africa to learn more.
🛑 displace communities
🛑 overexploit water
🛑 undermine energy access
Join us tonight for a docu screening & discussion on the scramble for hydrogen in South Africa to learn more.
1)
🚨 A new investigation by @apache.be reveals that the European Investment Fund (EIF), part of the @eib.org, channelled 🇪🇺 public money into Paragon Solutions, an Israeli spyware company.
👇
🚨 A new investigation by @apache.be reveals that the European Investment Fund (EIF), part of the @eib.org, channelled 🇪🇺 public money into Paragon Solutions, an Israeli spyware company.
👇
European Investment Fund financed Israeli spyware company Paragon
Paragon's spyware has been used against activists by multiple governments.
apache.be
October 1, 2025 at 10:24 AM
1)
🚨 A new investigation by @apache.be reveals that the European Investment Fund (EIF), part of the @eib.org, channelled 🇪🇺 public money into Paragon Solutions, an Israeli spyware company.
👇
🚨 A new investigation by @apache.be reveals that the European Investment Fund (EIF), part of the @eib.org, channelled 🇪🇺 public money into Paragon Solutions, an Israeli spyware company.
👇
Reposted by Counter Balance
📫 Insieme ad altre 18 organizzazioni della società civile e a sindacati abbiamo chiesto alla @EIB di mettere la giusta transizione al centro della sua nuova Roadmap della Banca per il clima (2026-2030).
👇
Per leggere il testo della lettera: counter-balance.org/uploads/file...
👇
Per leggere il testo della lettera: counter-balance.org/uploads/file...
September 29, 2025 at 12:58 PM
📫 Insieme ad altre 18 organizzazioni della società civile e a sindacati abbiamo chiesto alla @EIB di mettere la giusta transizione al centro della sua nuova Roadmap della Banca per il clima (2026-2030).
👇
Per leggere il testo della lettera: counter-balance.org/uploads/file...
👇
Per leggere il testo della lettera: counter-balance.org/uploads/file...
1/
🚗💸 Governments are pumping public money into the electric vehicle (EV) industry, but is this the transition we need?
Clàudia Custodio from
@observatoriodg.bsky.social wrote a powerful blog on this topic in our website, check it out here: counter-balance.org/news/the-gre...
A thread 🧵
🚗💸 Governments are pumping public money into the electric vehicle (EV) industry, but is this the transition we need?
Clàudia Custodio from
@observatoriodg.bsky.social wrote a powerful blog on this topic in our website, check it out here: counter-balance.org/news/the-gre...
A thread 🧵
September 29, 2025 at 9:08 AM
1/
🚗💸 Governments are pumping public money into the electric vehicle (EV) industry, but is this the transition we need?
Clàudia Custodio from
@observatoriodg.bsky.social wrote a powerful blog on this topic in our website, check it out here: counter-balance.org/news/the-gre...
A thread 🧵
🚗💸 Governments are pumping public money into the electric vehicle (EV) industry, but is this the transition we need?
Clàudia Custodio from
@observatoriodg.bsky.social wrote a powerful blog on this topic in our website, check it out here: counter-balance.org/news/the-gre...
A thread 🧵
Reposted by Counter Balance
Pedimos:
💸 Fin a las excepciones fósiles
🏦 Dinero público solo para empresas que descarbonicen de verdad
🏘️ Impulso al sector público: vivienda, energía y transporte sostenible
🌍 Más financiación justa fuera de la UE contra la pobreza energética
🔎 Transparencia en el uso de los fondos climáticos
💸 Fin a las excepciones fósiles
🏦 Dinero público solo para empresas que descarbonicen de verdad
🏘️ Impulso al sector público: vivienda, energía y transporte sostenible
🌍 Más financiación justa fuera de la UE contra la pobreza energética
🔎 Transparencia en el uso de los fondos climáticos
September 26, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Pedimos:
💸 Fin a las excepciones fósiles
🏦 Dinero público solo para empresas que descarbonicen de verdad
🏘️ Impulso al sector público: vivienda, energía y transporte sostenible
🌍 Más financiación justa fuera de la UE contra la pobreza energética
🔎 Transparencia en el uso de los fondos climáticos
💸 Fin a las excepciones fósiles
🏦 Dinero público solo para empresas que descarbonicen de verdad
🏘️ Impulso al sector público: vivienda, energía y transporte sostenible
🌍 Más financiación justa fuera de la UE contra la pobreza energética
🔎 Transparencia en el uso de los fondos climáticos
Reposted by Counter Balance
19 organizaciones de la sociedad civil y sindicatos pedimos al @eib.org que ponga la transición justa en el centro de su nueva Hoja de Ruta Climática (2026–2030).
Aquí nuestro posicionamiento @counter-balance.bsky.social 👇
saludporderecho.org/pedimos-al-b...
Aquí nuestro posicionamiento @counter-balance.bsky.social 👇
saludporderecho.org/pedimos-al-b...
Pedimos al BEI más ambición climática y social en su nueva hoja de ruta
El Banco Europeo de Inversiones (BEI) está preparando la segunda fase de su Climate Bank Roadmap, la hoja de ruta climática que recoge su estrategia para el periodo 2026-2030. Esta
saludporderecho.org
September 26, 2025 at 12:15 PM
19 organizaciones de la sociedad civil y sindicatos pedimos al @eib.org que ponga la transición justa en el centro de su nueva Hoja de Ruta Climática (2026–2030).
Aquí nuestro posicionamiento @counter-balance.bsky.social 👇
saludporderecho.org/pedimos-al-b...
Aquí nuestro posicionamiento @counter-balance.bsky.social 👇
saludporderecho.org/pedimos-al-b...
🗓️ On 1st October, from 19:00 - 20:30 – Film screening & discussion
Where? Mundo Matongé, Rue d’Edimbourg 26, 1050 Ixelles.
No registration needed. Drinks will be provided after the event, until they run out!
Where? Mundo Matongé, Rue d’Edimbourg 26, 1050 Ixelles.
No registration needed. Drinks will be provided after the event, until they run out!
September 25, 2025 at 12:19 PM
🗓️ On 1st October, from 19:00 - 20:30 – Film screening & discussion
Where? Mundo Matongé, Rue d’Edimbourg 26, 1050 Ixelles.
No registration needed. Drinks will be provided after the event, until they run out!
Where? Mundo Matongé, Rue d’Edimbourg 26, 1050 Ixelles.
No registration needed. Drinks will be provided after the event, until they run out!
19 civil society organisations and labour unions are calling on the @eib.org to put the just transition at the core of its new Climate Bank Roadmap (2026–2030). 🌍✊
Read the Joint Position 👉 counter-balance.org/uploads/file...
Here’s what must change 👇
Read the Joint Position 👉 counter-balance.org/uploads/file...
Here’s what must change 👇
September 25, 2025 at 8:31 AM
19 civil society organisations and labour unions are calling on the @eib.org to put the just transition at the core of its new Climate Bank Roadmap (2026–2030). 🌍✊
Read the Joint Position 👉 counter-balance.org/uploads/file...
Here’s what must change 👇
Read the Joint Position 👉 counter-balance.org/uploads/file...
Here’s what must change 👇