The Netherlands is withdrawing from the controversial ECT energy treaty (Energy Charter Treaty). Minister Rob Jetten (climate and energy) said this on Tuesday during a debate in the House of Representatives. It is not yet known when the Netherlands will leave ECT.
According to Jetten, the treaty hinders the Paris climate goals rather than contributes to them.
Critics say fossil energy producers were too protected by the treaty. Companies that feel disadvantaged by climate policy will also have the opportunity to file damage claims. That was a thorn in the side of the Netherlands.
The treaty has been slightly modified, but according to Jetten it’s still not good enough. Several political parties and climate organizations had already urged last week to stop ECT. So now the government has taken the plunge.
Jetten thinks the new treaty is better than the old one. The government is therefore still checking whether it will first agree to this new treaty. This could help countries that still remain in the ECT.
The cabinet will release a more detailed letter on this later.
