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energy

MEPs support exit from treaty allowing big oil to sue governments over climate action
10-Apr-2024 Euronews
In a decisive committee vote, MEPs have supported the European Union’s exit from the Energy Charter Treaty over concerns its global investor-state dispute settlement system has been weaponised to sue governments over climate policy. Image d’illustration.
EU commissioner says FTA with Australia would help minerals push
9-Apr-2024 Mining.com
Europe’s Commissioner for Energy said she had been in conversations with Australia’s Resources Minister for an agreement on critical minerals, and that there would be more news “soon.”
Trade and climate internationalism
2-Apr-2024 The Ecologist
Trade deals are used to extract valuable resources from the Global South - but a recent victory shows we can make a difference.
Commission presents parliament with Energy Charter Treaty exit plan
22-Mar-2024 Euractiv
The European Commission’s plan to withdraw the bloc from the Energy Charter Treaty while allowing member states the right to remain if they choose was presented to Parliament.
Trade agreements’ influence on the global mineral transition in critical raw materials
22-Mar-2024 Bilaterals.org
Trade agreements shape the global minerals transition by determining access to essential raw materials, influencing investment decisions, and enforcing environmental and social regulations. This article examines the underlying agenda of trade agreements in shaping the global minerals transition, including how they affect the distribution of benefits and risks.
Indonesia stresses on active, fair participation of all IPEF partners
18-Mar-2024 Antara News
Indonesia emphasized active and fair participation of all Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) partner countries in implementing the cooperation framework, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said.
Access for EVs, relaxation of business mobility contentious issues in UK FTA
18-Mar-2024 Hindustan Times
India and UK remain deadlocked in free trade negotiations due to issues around EV access & business visas. EV concessions possible with investment commitments.
Klesch Group’s legal paradox
8-Mar-2024 SOMO
Oil Refiner Klesch sues EU, Germany and Denmark over windfall profit tax while making record profits due to Ukraine invasion.
EU countries to exit energy treaty over climate concerns, officials say
8-Mar-2024 Reuters
European Union countries agreed to jointly quit an international energy treaty over concerns that it undermines efforts to fight climate change, officials said.
EU breaks deadlock on the ECT, announces exit
4-Mar-2024 Friends of the Earth Europe
Today marks a significant turning point as the Belgian EU Presidency brokered a deal with the European Commission and member states on the withdrawal from the Energy Charter Treaty.
How people power forced the UK to leave the Energy Charter Treaty
27-Feb-2024 Global Justice Now
On 22 February 2024 the UK announced it will leave the climate-wrecking Energy Charter Treaty.
Billion-dollar exposure: Investor-state dispute settlement in Mozambique’s fossil fuel sector
23-Feb-2024 Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment
Mozambique faces a substantial economic risk due to its exposure to investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) claims by foreign investors in its coal, oil, and gas sectors. The investment protections in the country’s international investment agreements and contracts, combined with ISDS, expose Mozambique to multi-billion-dollar financial liabilities.
ISDS regime could choke climate action in emerging economies, experts say
21-Feb-2024 Global Trade Review
The investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) system could be putting climate action at risk in emerging and developing economies as investors in fossil fuel projects angle for compensation, experts say.
Azerbaijan initiates arbitration proceedings against Armenia
15-Jan-2024 Azer News
A procedural session was held at the headquarters of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague within the framework of the interstate arbitration initiated by Azerbaijan against Armenia based on the Energy Charter Treaty.
How wealthy corporations use investment agreements to extract millions from developing countries
15-Jan-2024 Inside Climate News
When Ecuador placed a windfall tax on foreign oil operations, French and U.S. companies filed claims—and were awarded more than $800 million.
Deadlock as member states disagree over withdrawal from Energy Charter Treaty
11-Jan-2024 Euronews
Decision on whether to part from treaty remains in limbo, with some EU countries wanting to stay and others having already departed.
Government reforms face corporate backlash in Honduras
9-Jan-2024 NACLA Report on the Americas
As President Xiomara Castro’s administration works to mitigate the fallout of the post-coup years, transnational companies are lining up to sue the state for lost profits.
Petrochemical industry opposes Oman FTA, deal may be delayed
8-Jan-2024 Financial Express
The negotiations on India-Oman free trade agreement that were racing towards concussion may drag a bit longer as Indian petrochemical producers have opposed any deep duty cuts on polypropylene and polyethylene that might be offered in the pact.
China ends preferential tax status for 12 Taiwan goods
3-Jan-2024 Taiwan News
China’s State Council said that preferential tax rates on the import of 12 Taiwanese petrochemical products will be suspended on Dec 21, raising concerns in Taiwan about economic impacts and election interference.
Ecuador says it has won international arbitration, will avoid $198 million payment to Worley
3-Jan-2024 Reuters
Ecuador’s procurator said the country has won an international arbitration and will not be liable to pay $198 million to engineering firm Worley International Services over oil project contracts.