The European Commission has informed member nations that a united EU withdrawal from a contentious international energy deal is inevitable, with some of them already signalling their intent to do so due to environmental concerns.
The 1998 Energy Charter Treaty, which has about 50 signatories, including nations in the European Union, was created to protect energy firms by granting them the right to sue governments over policies that have an impact on their investments.
However, it has been used in recent years to contest laws that call for the closure of fossil fuel plants, raising fears that this is a barrier to combating climate change.
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With preparations to withdraw from the treaty already declared by France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain, pressure is mounting on Brussels to organize an EU-wide withdrawal.
According to a document shared with EU nations and obtained by Reuters, the European Commission stated that the “most adequate” course of action would be for the EU and its 27 member states to leave.
A spokesperson for the European Commission confirmed it would recommend an EU exit and present the suggestion to diplomats from member countries in a meeting on Tuesday.
According to the Commission, continuing to be part of the treaty would “clearly undermine” the EU’s climate targets.
Story was adapted from Climate Home News.
