The European Commission (EC) has informed the member states of the European Union (EU) that the EU’s withdrawal from a energy pact International controversy seems to be “inevitable” in the context that some member states have withdrawn from this treaty.
In a document shared with EU member states, the EC said the “most complete” option would be for the EU and 27 member states to leave. Energy Charter Treaty and this seems inevitable.
According to the document, this is not the EC’s official position on the matter, but reflects the EC’s preliminary position and is intended to guide discussion among Member States on next steps. The EC said many factors led the EU executive body to make this assessment.
The Energy Charter Treaty was signed in 1994, with the participation of the EU and regarding 50 countries. The pact is designed to protect companies in the energy industry by allowing companies to sue the government for policies that affect their investments.
In recent years, however, the treaty has been used to protest government policies that require fossil fuel plants to close – raising fears that the treaty hinder efforts to tackle climate change.
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Last year, some of the signatories to the treaty agreed to some reforms, but faced opposition from EU countries. Therefore, this unreformed treaty with stronger investment protection provisions continues to apply. According to the EC, the remainder of the treaty would clearly undermine the EU’s climate goals.
France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain have announced plans to withdraw from the treaty following Italy withdrew from the treaty in 2016.
According to the EC, renegotiation of the treaty is not feasible in the context of some countries withdrawing from the treaty. The EU will need the support of at least 15 member states and the European Parliament to withdraw from the treaty.
Minh Chau (VNA/Vietnam+)
