Nord Stream 2 und andere Investoren in fossile Brennstoffe könnten von Regierungen eine Entschädigung in Bezug auf die Klima-, Energie- oder Sicherheitspolitik verlangen.

(WK-intern) – Warum sollten die EU und die Mitgliedstaaten diesen alten Vertrag an einem Wendepunkt für die Energiewende aufgeben?

Am 18. März 2022 werden Experten aus Wissenschaft und Klimaorganisationen den Medien ein Online-Briefing über den Modernisierungsprozess des Energiechartavertrags (ECT) anbieten.

Sie werden die Auswirkungen der Annullierung von Nord Stream 2 und die Auswirkungen des Vertrags auf die künftige Klimapolitik erläutern und erörtern, warum und wie die EU und die Mitgliedstaaten aus dem Vertrag über die Energiecharta (ECT) aussteigen sollten.

Lässt sich der ECT mit den europäischen Klimaambitionen vereinbaren? Kann es von der NordStream 2 AG und ihren Investoren genutzt werden? Wird die ECT-Reform diese Probleme lösen? Nehmen Sie an unserem Expertengremium teil, um diese Fragen und mehr zu diskutieren.

MEDIA BRIEFING ON THE ENERGY CHARTER TREATY AHEAD OF UPCOMING PLENARY DISCUSSION IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

Nord Stream 2 and other fossil fuel investors could seek compensation from governments in relation to climate, energy or security policies.
Why should the EU and Member States ditch this old treaty in a turning point for the energy transition?

WHEN: Friday 18 March 2022, 11am CET

WHERE: Virtual event [Join zoom here] – please confirm assistance via email to nina.tramullas@caneurope.org

On 18th March 2022, experts from academia and climate organisations will provide an online briefing to the media about the modernisation process of the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT). They will detail implications of the cancellation of Nord Stream 2, the Treaty’s impact on future climate policies and discuss why and how the EU and Member States should pull out from the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT).

Can the ECT be reconciled with European climate ambition? Can it be used by NordStream 2 AG and its investors? Will ECT reform solve these issues? Join our panel of experts to discuss these questions and more.

Experts in the virtual press briefing:

BACKGROUND:
The ECT is a little known but controversial trade agreement. Adopted in the 1990s and binding 53 countries in Europe and Asia, it gives fossil fuel companies the power to sue governments when state measures hinder their profits.

The ECT could, for instance, allow fossil fuel gas pipeline Nord Stream 2 to seek compensation for international investment tribunals, after the German government decided to stop the pipeline’s certification at the beginning of the war against Ukraine. Other measures in relation to the ongoing conflict could also be subject to international arbitration.

On 24th March 2022 the European Parliament will put questions on ECT modernisation to the Commission and Council, followed by a public debate. It is expected to be the only opportunity for the Parliament to publicly scrutinise reform outcomes before the Commission closes the talks on modernisation in June 2022.

RESOURCES:
Recent analysis suggests that the EU is failing to achieve its objectives for ECT reform and the Treaty will continue to undermine climate ambitions, contradict EU law and promote outdated systems for investor to state dispute settlement (ISDS).

A recent report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) now shows that almost 20% of all dispute settlement proceedings between investors and states are related to the fossil fuel industry – a clear and significant roadblock to the clean energy transition. Meanwhile, the ECT looms over the Nord Stream 2 decision, with investors known to be considering their options for enforcing compensation claims. Legal questions remain too following the European Court of Justice ruling that the ECT is invalid.

How the Energy Charter Treaty risks undermining the outcomes of COP26, article by IISD.

IISD and ClientEarth article exploring the legal conditions for countries to withdraw jointly and neutralise the sunset clause, which allows investors to sue for 20 years after a state has withdrawn from the ECT.

FOLLOW THE EU PARLIAMENT DEBATE
On the 24 March, during the EP public debate (start at 9am) about the ECT, the following experts will be providing live additional analysis, please follow them on Twitter to get additional analysis:

Please write to us to receive the contact details of ECT experts in various European countries. Our campaign covers: France, Belgium, Germany, United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Slovenia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria and Poland.

CAN Europe stands in solidarity with the people affected by the Russian aggression in Ukraine that is causing a humanitarian crisis. We wish for de-escalation and urge all parties for the protection of civilians from the attacks. People all over the world, Ukraine and Russia are already weakened by the impacts of climate change and COVID. We don’t want another armed conflict to bring more instability and loss of life. Read our statement.

PR: CAN

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