Energy Charter Treaty on its last legs

The Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) is crumbling – we’re winning! For the past two years, Global Justice Now has been campaigning with allies all across Europe on this controversial ‘corporate court’ treaty between fifty countries. It is being used by fossil fuel companies to sue governments over things like phasing out coal power and banning fracking. Together we’ve been calling for countries to exit the ECT.

At times it has felt like the campaign was stuck – that inertia would win out. But as the clock ticked down to a final decision in November on whether members of the ECT would accept a plan to allow fossil fuel companies to continue to sue for ten more years, the pressure finally paid off – the dam burst and a cascade of countries announced they’re leaving.

So far Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Poland, Slovenia and Luxembourg have all declared they are withdrawing from the ECT, with many openly saying the treaty is incompatible with climate goals. It’s an amazing success for all the campaigners and activists who’ve been pushing for this all across Europe. Together we’ve made a little-known trade agreement and its secretive tribunals so toxic that countries are tripping over themselves to get out of the door.

But you will of course note that the UK is not in that list of countries – yet! The government is giving itself space to potentially change course, though, saying it is “closely monitoring” what other countries are doing and taking that into account in its plans.

We’re redoubling our efforts, including talking to government insiders who may be able to persuade ministers that the ECT is not worth defending. If we can keep up the momentum, there’s a good chance the UK will join the exodus from the ECT in 2023.

Take action at: globaljustice.org.uk/ect