Why exiting the Energy Charter Treaty will hinder clean energy transition

• The UK intends to withdraw from the Energy Charter Treaty.
• Failed efforts to modernise the Energy Charter Treaty to align with the UK’s net zero policy were the reason behind its withdrawal.
• This decision is likely to hinder rather than promote Europe’s sustainability energy transition, as well as impede the UK’s own net zero policy.

The UK announced in February that it intends to withdraw from the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT), an international agreement for cooperation in the energy industry. In so doing, it cited failed efforts to modernise the ECT to align with the UK’s net zero policy as its reason for withdrawal. The decision is disappointing and is likely to hinder rather than promote Europe’s sustainable energy transition. Post-Brexit, the UK had a serious opportunity to act as a launch-pad for sustainable energy investment into Europe. Instead