ForumIAS announcing GS Foundation Program for UPSC CSE 2025-26 from 19 April. Click Here for more information.
ForumIAS Answer Writing Focus Group (AWFG) for Mains 2024 commencing from 24th June 2024. The Entrance Test for the program will be held on 28th April 2024 at 9 AM. To know more about the program visit: https://forumias.com/blog/awfg2024
Source-This post on Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) is based on the article “UK to quit ‘outdated’ fossil fuel friendly treaty” published in “Energyworld” on 23rd February 2024.
Why in the News?
The UK, along with France, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands, is pulling out of the Energy Charter Treaty. It permits fossil fuel companies to take legal action against governments regarding climate policies.
This decision comes after unsuccessful negotiations aimed at updating the treaty have concluded.
What is the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT)?
1. About– It is an international agreement that establishes a multilateral framework for collaboration across borders in the energy sector.
2. Signed-The agreement was signed in December 1994 and became legally effective in April 1998.
3. Objective– The aim of the ECT is to encourage long-term cooperation in the energy sector, emphasizing complementary interests and mutual advantages.
4. Areas Covered– It covers various facets of commercial energy operations, including trade, transit, investments, and energy efficiency.
5. Signatories– Presently, there are 56 signatories and contracting parties to the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT), which include both the European Union and Euratom (European Atomic Energy Community).
6. Established Energy Charter Conference– It founded the Energy Charter Conference, an inter-governmental organization that convenes regularly to address matters concerning energy collaboration.
What is its Significance?
1. Promoting Energy Cooperation: It encourages cooperation among countries in the energy sector, promoting discussions and teamwork on energy-related matters.
2. Investment Protection: The ECT safeguards foreign investments in the energy sector. This ensures a stable and predictable environment for investment, which is important for attracting capital and fostering economic growth in the energy industry.
3. Technology Transfer: The treaty facilitates the transfer of energy-related technologies among member states.
4. Dispute Resolution: The ECT provides mechanisms to solve disagreements between investors and member states. This reduces investment risks and gives investors a way to address disputes about government rules or other issues.
UPSC Syllabus- International Relations
