Thank you for taking the time to contact me about the Energy Charter Treaty.
Britain has long advocated modernisation of this treaty, recognising the urgent need to address climate change and align the treaty with modern energy priorities, international treaty practice and climate commitments. In its unmodernised form, the treaty is focused on trade and investment in fossil fuels. Some major renewable energy technologies are outside its scope. Ministers wanted to bring the treaty into line with modern energy priorities, international treaty practice and international commitments on climate change. Unfortunately, the European Union and its member states were unable to endorse the adoption of modernisation at the energy charter conference.
I understand that since the adoption of modernisation was postponed at the Energy Charter Conference in November 2022, my colleagues have been closing monitoring developments on treaty modernisation, including the positions of contracting parties such as the EU. This is an evolving situation and it is right that Ministers assess it carefully in advance of further international talks. It is also important that the views of civil society, business and Parliament are used to inform an appropriate response.
I am informed that the Government holds regular meetings with members of the treaty modernisation group with future meetings due in the summer and the annual Energy Charter Conference due in late 2023.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.