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.

1. Energy Charter
at a Glance
Rome, 29 May 2013
Amb. Urban Rusnák
Energy Charter Secretary General

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What is the Charter?
 Dec. 1991 – Energy Charter
political commitment – not legally binding
 Dec. 1994 - Energy Charter Treaty
51 states + EU and Euratom – legally binding
entered into force April 1998
 Energy Charter Process
based on the ECT – international policy forum,
best practices exchange,
cooperation with interested third parties

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Charter Members and Observers
Members Observers, signed
the 1991 Charter
This map is without prejudice to the status of or sovereignty over any territory, to the delimitation of
international frontiers and boundaries and to the name of any territory, city or area
Observers, by
Conference invitation

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Key Principles
 Open and efficient energy markets
 Non-discrimination among participants
 Sustainable development
 State sovereignty over natural resources
 Freedom of transit
 Environmentally sound and
energy-efficient policies

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ECT – Main Focus
 Protection of foreign investments, based on the
extension of national treatment or most-favoured
nation treatment (whichever is more favourable)
 Non-discriminatory conditions for energy trade
based on WTO rules
 Ensuring reliable cross-border energy transit
 Resolution of disputes between participating
states, and – in the case of investments –
between investors and host states
 Promotion of energy efficiency (PEEREA)

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Thank you
for your attention