The European Investment Bank Group is finalizing updates to its new Complaints Mechanism Policy. Together with over 20 civil society organizations, Inclusive Development International reviewed the draft and shared recommendations to ensure that its policy is an effective forum for impacted communities seeking remedy. The new proposed policy is a huge improvement, but there are also a few key areas that could still be strengthened:
Protecting independence: The Policy must be truly independent and impartial. We’re calling for stronger authority, clear conflict-of-interest rules, and “cooling-off” periods to prevent undue influence.
Strengthening Board oversight: The EIB Board of Directors should play a clearer role in overseeing how complaints are handled. Regular updates and stronger supervision are needed to ensure action plans are properly implemented and disputes are addressed fairly.
Make the advisory function meaningful: The EIB Group should actively use recommendations from complaints in its decision-making. Accountability only works if failures lead to institutional change.
Read the full comments here.