The Energy Charter is a political commitment from 1991 to foster international cooperation in the energy sector. It led to the 1994 Energy Charter Treaty, a legally binding multilateral agreement signed by 51 states and the EU to promote cross-border investment, trade, and transit of energy. The Energy Charter Process is an ongoing international policy forum based on the Treaty that facilitates best practices exchange and cooperation with interested third parties. It aims to establish open and efficient energy markets based on principles of non-discrimination, sustainable development, state sovereignty over resources, freedom of transit, and environmentally sound policies.