The European Energy Charter Treaty: tipping the balance between energy and the environment

This article examines the environmental implications of the European Energy Charter Treaty together with the Energy Efficiency and Nuclear Protocols. It considers their provisions in light of existing developments in international environmental law and policy. It concludes that as the primary aim of the Treaty was to stimulate trade in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe it is unsurprising that the Treaty has relied more on hortatory statements and guidance than on implementing concrete environmental protection measures. -Author