Expert workshop on “Energy investments tangled in the EU Bermuda Triangle: The ETC at crossroads”

An online expert workshop on the Energy Charter Treaty, environmental and climate change law, hosted by Utrecht University will take place on 17 and 18 June 2021. This workshop, spread across two evenings is entitled: “Energy investments tangled in the EU Bermuda Triangle: The ECT at crossroads between investment protection, environmental protection and climate change mitigation measures?”

Introduction to the workshop theme

International investment law and international environmental law as two distinguished branches of international law developed separately. Historically, energy investments were intertwined in a narrative of development, energy security and the sovereign right of States to exploit their natural resources. However, parallel to the considerations of energy security and universal access to energy, environmental considerations have become paramount elements in energy law and policy. Energy and the environment are intrinsically linked: energy and environmental law are best envisaged as two sides of the same coin. Energy investments can make an essential contribution to satisfying energy demands and safeguard energy security, but they can also create significant risks. Throughout the energy cycle all relevant economic activities, from exploration and extraction to processing and transportation and even distribution of energy resources create environmental externalities.

Additional information: https://www.uu.nl/en/news/expert-workshop-on-energy-investments-tangled-in-the-eu-bermuda-triangle-the-etc-at-crossroads