According to the EIB, the investment programme will finance the extension and modernisation of electricity distribution networks in Panama. In particular, the project will improve the electricity distribution network operation and capacity to enable the connection of new system users (some of which likely low-income households) and reduce technical and commercial losses.

The aim is to strengthen Panama's electricity distribution system while ultimately helping to meet the country's increasing electricity demand. The envisaged Project schemes (still to be better defined) are not expected to require a full Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) in accordance with Panamanian Law (Law 41 of 1998 "General Environmental Law of the Republic of Panama" regulated by Executive Decree No. 123 of 2009). If they were in the EU, they would fall under Annex II and then screened as per applicable criteria and thresholds present in national legislation. The investments are expected to be mainly in urban and sub-urban areas therefore no major environmental or social impacts are expected.
The EIB will review during appraisal the environmental and social capacity of the Promoters, including their organisation, processes and procedures. The exact requirements and status of the permitting procedures will also be further assessed during appraisal.

The Bank will require the Promoters to ensure that implementation of the Project will be done in accordance with the Bank's Guide to Procurement. Based on Promoter's information, both concessions were awarded as a result of a transparent international tender, hence the Project's procurement procedures are expected to follow the requirements related to operations in private sector.
Procurement regime applicable to the project and Promoter's policies, procedures and capacity in this regard will be further assessed during appraisal.

According to the EIB, the envisaged Project schemes (still to be better defined) are not expected to require a full Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) in accordance with Panamanian Law (Law 41 of 1998 "General Environmental Law of the Republic of Panama" regulated by Executive Decree No. 123 of 2009). If they were in the EU, they would fall under Annex II and then screened as per applicable criteria and thresholds present in national legislation. The investments are expected to be mainly in urban and sub-urban areas therefore no major environmental or social impacts are expected. The EIB will review during appraisal the environmental and social capacity of the Promoters, including their organisation, processes and procedures. The exact requirements and status of the permitting procedures will also be further assessed during appraisal.

ACCESS TO INFORMATION

You can submit an information request for project information at: https://www.eib.org/en/infocentre/registers/request-form/request-form-default.htm

ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISM OF EIB

The EIB Complaints Mechanism is designed to facilitate and handle complaints against the EIB by individuals, organizations or corporations affected by EIB activities. When exercising the right to lodge a complaint against the EIB, any member of the public has access to a two-tier procedure, one internal - the Complaints Mechanism Office - and one external - the European Ombudsman. A complaint can be lodged via a written communication addressed to the Secretary General of the EIB, via email to the dedicated email address: complaints@eib.org, by completing the online complaint form available at the following address: http://www.eib.org/complaints/form via fax or delivered directly to the EIB Complaints Mechanism Division, any EIB local representation office or any EIB staff. For further details, check: http://www.eib.org/attachments/strategies/complaints_mechanism_policy_en.pdf

When dissatisfied with a complaint to the EIB Complaints Mechanism, citizens can then turn towards the European Ombudsman. A memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the EIB and the European Ombudsman establishes that citizens (even outside of the EU if the Ombudsman finds their complaint justified) can turn towards the Ombudsman on issues related to 'maladministration' by the EIB. Note that before going to the Ombudsman, an attempt must be made to resolve the case by contacting the EIB. In addition, the complaint must be made within two years of the date when the facts on which your complaint is based became known to you. You can write to the Ombudsman in any of the languages of the European Union. Additional details, including filing requirements and complaint forms, are available at: http://www.ombudsman.europa.eu/atyourservice/interactiveguide.faces