The Energy Charter Treaty (ECT, 1998) is a multilateral trade and investment agreement applicable to the energy sector. Eleven Member States and the UK, representing more than 70% of the European population, have already decided to exit the ECT. The ECT is the most used investment treaty by multinational corporations to sue countries and the number of investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) cases is rising each year. As long as the EU is still a member of the ECT, even the EU Member States that have already left the ECT can still be sued for pursuing EU policies.
The proposed decision aims to codify the interpretation of the European Court of Justice that the ECT does not apply to disputes between a Member State and an investor of another Member State concerning an investment made by the latter in the first Member State.
Between 20-23 September, EESC President Oliver Röpke led a delegation of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) to the United Nations Summit of the Future, which took place in New York. The event, a cornerstone in discussions about the future of multilateral cooperation, focused on urgent global challenges including sustainable development, peace, security, and digital governance.
Section debate on A step forward in meaningful youth participation organised by the EESC during the NAT Section meeting on 2 October 2024 (14:30 - 16:00 CEST).
Just a few days after the nomination of a new European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, and the Rule of Law, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has issued a strong call for a renewed commitment to the rule of law and fundamental rights within the EU. At its September plenary session, the EESC took stock of the current situation and debated ideas for a stronger EU response, including European Commission President von der Leyen's recent announcement of a long-anticipated civil society platform.
