The Energy Charter Treaty, initiated by the 1991 European Energy Charter and completed in December 1994, is an innovative major multilateral investment and trade treaty. The book has an introduction by Ruud Lubbers who, as the Dutch Prime Minister, played the key role in initiating the Energy Charter negotiations. It brings together contributions on the energy/investment background, the geopolitical context, the Energy Charter negotiations and the relevant specific topics of the Treaty (focusing on investment and trade, but also environment, competition and transit) by the key specialists on the subject, ranging from countries such as the US (which in the end decided not to join the Treaty) to Russia and Kazakhstan, including energy and investment specialists, international investment and commercial lawyers and arbitrators. The contributors include noted international energy/economic law authorities, but also key participants and observers of the Treaty negotiations. This book is intended to provide the first authoritative analysis of the background, negotiations and content of the Energy Charter Treaty and to provide support and guidance for subsequent negotiations and the difficult challenges involved in interpretation and application of the Treaty. It will be an essential tool for anybody working with the Energy Charter Treaty. The book contains in its annex the major documents of the Treaty: The 1991 European Energy Charter, the 1994 Treaty and its relevant Protocols, Annexes, Understandings and Final Act Declarations.

Masterarbeit aus dem Jahr 2009 im Fachbereich Jura - Zivilrecht / Handelsrecht, Gesellschaftsrecht, Kartellrecht, Wirtschaftsrecht, University of Abertay Dundee (Centre for energy, petroleum and mineral law and policy), Sprache: Deutsch, Abstract: The end of the cold war signalled an emerging need for economic integration between Western European countries and those countries which comprised the former Soviet Union. The energy sector was considered a perfect starting point for pursuing such cooperation mainly due to the fact that Eastern European countries were considered rich in oil and gas reserves. For this purpose, the Energy Charter Treaty as well as the Energy Charter Protocol were signed in December 1994 and came into effect on 16th April, 1998. The aim of the Treaty was to establish a comprehensive legal framework for promoting long-term cooperation between signatory countries in the energy sector. Indeed, the treaty is considered a powerful tool for investors as it grants direct right to initiate arbitration proceedings against host governments where there are alleged breaches of investment obligations. The purpose of this dissertation is to take a critical look at the effectiveness or otherwise of the treaty as regards the protection of international investments in the energy sector. A historical background leading up to the signing of the charter will be rendered. Also, the provisions of the treaty regarding investment protection and arbitration taking certain case studies of causes of action brought under the treaty will be discussed. Furthermore, a critical look at the shortcomings of the treaty will be attempted. The research findings will show that several successful cases have been concluded under the treaty; but criticisms and limits to the effectiveness of the treaty will be highlighted.

The Commentary on the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) provides a unique, article-by-article, textual analysis of this important international agreement. The ECT provides a multilateral framework for cross-border cooperation in the energy sector based on the principles of open competitive markets and sustainable development. By binding governments to commitments that guarantee open markets, non-discrimination, and access to foreign investment, the ECT aims to strengthen the global rule of law on energy issues and, in doing so, reduce the risks associated with energy-related investment and trade. Expert contributors provide commentary and analysis on the five primary areas of the ECT: investment promotion and protection, trade, transit, environmental protection, and dispute settlement. The optional protocols are also addressed, including issues such as energy efficiency and the environment. Clearly and logically organized, this commentary is an invaluable reference tool for those wanting to better understand the intricacies of the Treaty and its binding commitments. The Commentary will be an essential resource for practitioners, academics, and policymakers across the field of energy law and policy. Contributors include: V. Aleksic, G. Alvarez, C. Baltag, M. Baumgart, L. Borlini, A. Eckenroth, D. Geraets, S. Goldberg, C. Grasso, T. Hunter, A. Konoplyanik, R. Leal-Arcas, N. Lisney, D. Mejia-Lemos, B.H. Melgar, F. Montanaro, A. Morelli, A. Mudliar, M. Petri, L. Reins, O. Repousis, P. Serra, F.D. Simões, C.G. Stanescu, P. Vajda

The Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) is a multilateral treaty in the energy sector, entered into force in April 1998, which gained worldwide recognition mainly because of its provisions on the promotion and protection of investments. The ECT currently has over 45 contracting parties. Its popularity increased significantly in the last few years following the proliferation of disputes submitted to arbitration under Article 26 of the ECT, while investors became more familiarized with the rights granted by the ECT in respect of their investments. At present, more than 20 disputes between investors and contracting parties have been submitted to arbitration. The requirements of ‘investor’ and ‘investment’ are essential for the benefit of the protection offered by the ECT. The book suggests a comprehensive approach to the notion of ‘investor’. It analyzes the notion of ‘investor’ in an inclusive manner, starting with the concept of Contracting Party to the ECT and its implications in respect of the notion of ‘investor’, going through nationality, permanent residency, dual nationality, companies and other legal entities and shareholders, to the notion of ‘investment’ and its role in defining the concept of ‘investor’ under the ECT. The aim of the book is to shed light on the proper meaning of the notion of ‘investor’ under the ECT, considering the close relationship between the ECT and other treaties such as the ICSID Convention and arbitration rules.

This thoroughly revised edition of the Commentary on the Energy Charter Treaty presents a comprehensive overview of the latest trends surrounding this important international agreement. Providing a unique, article-by-article, textual analysis, updated chapters cover the full breadth of topics and developments of the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT), situated in the broader context of international economic law and governance. This edition also offers detailed coverage of the modernization process of the ECT, and carefully analyses important criticisms of the instrument.