Termination of Energy Charter Treaty by the Netherlands helps global energy transition
The decision of Minister for Climate and Energy Rob Jetten to withdraw from the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) is good news for the energy transition in the Netherlands and beyond. Governments of countries that are party to this treaty can therefore shape the transition to sustainable energy without having to fear claims by Dutch-based businesses.
The Energy Charter Treaty allows multinationals to file claims for millions of euros through a private arbitration tribunal if governments take climate measures that could harm their investments. This means that the treaty stands in the way of achieving the Paris climate goals.
Both ENDS has been working with partners for a number of years to raise awareness about the disadvantages of the ECT, especially in countries in the Global South that were considering joining the treaty, such as Uganda and Indonesia. In 2019, together with SEATINI from Uganda, we wrote a letter to all member states of the ECT, which was signed by more than 250 civil society organizations worldwide. Together we shared our concerns about the ECT and called to halt its expansion to new member states. In 2020, the ECT responded to this call.
Our joint efforts to stop the expansion of the ECT in Africa, Asia and Latin America go hand in hand with calls for European countries to leave the ECT. This is because many companies that submit claims to southern countries are located in European members states of the ECT. Because the Netherlands and a number of other countries (so far Italy, Poland, Spain and France) are now withdrawing from this treaty, the possibilities to submit claims are decreasing.
Both ENDS and partners are very content with Minister Jetten's decision. We see that our efforts with partners, together with the FGG alliance and Handel Anders, contributed to the decision. We will continue to raise awareness about the ECT, which primarily serves the fossil fuel industry, as well as to advocate for international trade and investment agreements that benefit sustainable and fair energy projects that ensure access to clean energy for all.
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Dossier /
Fair Green and Global Alliance (FGG)
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News / 28 januari 2020
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Publication / 31 december 2020
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News / 7 oktober 2018
Our Director ranking 52nd on Dutch ‘Sustainable 100’-list
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News / 17 juli 2024
EU Exits Energy Charter Treaty (ECT): A Milestone for Climate Action
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External link / 1 januari 2016
Fair, Green and Global Alliance website
The six members of the Fair, Green & Global (FGG) Alliance power voices of people and communities all over the world. We aim to expand civic space, stimulate movements and invest in mutual capacity development. Collaborating with over a thousand partner organisations in countries where people and nature are under constant pressure. Thanks to the strategic partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the six member organizations can make a difference for people across the world. Read more on the FGG website!
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Publication / 30 oktober 2023
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Publication / 15 februari 2022
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News / 21 januari 2019
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Press release / 23 mei 2023
60th anniversary of Dutch bilateral investment treaties no cause for celebration
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Event / 21 februari 2022, 16:00 - 17:30
Webinar and launch of new publication about EU-Mercosur
What is the EU-Mercosur association treaty and why is it controversial? What could be the implications of the treaty for people and their livelihoods both in EU and Mercosur countries? For more information about these and other issues, see our new publication and join our interactive webinar next week!
Register here
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News / 3 juni 2020
Green light for FGG and GAGGA!
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Event / 11 mei 2019, 20:00 - 22:00
The European Election Debate: do we opt for the climate and a fair Europe? (in Dutch)
Europe's future. What does it look like and, more importantly, what kind of Europe do we want?
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Dossier /
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Dossier /
Paris Proof Export Support
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External link / 19 juni 2020
Engaging investors for a fossil-free future (Annual Report 2019)
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Letter / 26 juni 2020
Letter to governments over wave of Covid-19 claims in 'corporate courts'
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