To European governments, parliaments and EU institutions and Barbara Pompili, Minister for the Ecological Transition of France
Petition
Pull out of the Energy Charter Treaty and stop its expansion to other countries! The treaty allows coal, oil and gas corporations to obstruct the transition to a clean energy system. Disarm fossil fuel firms now, so they can no longer impede urgent climate action!
Why is this important?
We’re paying massive fines to fossil fuel companies. Europeans could end up paying over 7 billion euro to oil, gas and coal companies for taking climate action. [1]
- Oil and gas company Rockhopper is demanding 260 million euro from the Italians for banning new oil fields on its coast.
- Ascent wants 120 million from Slovenian taxpayers for prioritising the environment over gas fracking.
- Vattenfall sued the German people for €4.3 billion when it decided to phase out nuclear power.
- And the Dutch people are set to pay 2.4 billion euros to RWE and Uniper for phasing out coal! [2]
The time to avoid a climate catastrophe is quickly running out. [2] But fossil fuel companies are holding our governments hostage through the threat of being sued for extortionate fines. They are blocking our governments from making the decisions we need to save our climate. A toxic fossil fuel treaty from the past has put us in this absurd situation. [3]
Next week our energy ministers will come together and could give a decisive signal to end this toxic fossil fuel treaty. Germany and Poland are considering an end to the treaty, while other countries like Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and France are still on the fence.
Let’s champion the call of ministers who want to end the treaty and fuel the revolt by putting pressure on the energy ministers who are still undecided. If everyone who added their voice to this demand sends a personal message to their energy minister, we can convince them to take our side.
This toxic fossil fuel treaty - officially called the Energy Charter Treaty - is a blast from the past, from a period when governments were in climate denial. [4] Yet, fossil fuel companies are clinging to it for dear life because it means they can protect their profits.
But protecting profits means suing governments who dare put people and planet first. When they win, governments have to pay compensation with our public money. Public money that could go to green investments, education and hospitals instead of continuing to line the pockets of the biggest polluters.
But we are gaining ground from the big polluters. Italy has already ended its membership of this toxic treaty, European Parliamentarians support our call and now it is up to our countries to choose a side. But for this to happen, our energy ministers need to hear our personal messages on why we care.
References:
- Oil and gas company Rockhopper is demanding 260 million euro from the Italians for banning new oil fields on its coast. Ascent wants 120 million from Slovenian taxpayers for prioritising the environment over gas fracking. Vattenfall sued the German people for €4.3 billion when it decided to phase out nuclear. And the Dutch people are set to pay 2.4 billion euros to RWE and Uniper for phasing out coal!
https://energy-charter-dirty-secrets.org/#section5
https://friendsoftheearth.eu/press-release/uk-fracking-company-sues-slovenia-over-environmental-protection/
https://www.investigate-europe.eu/en/2021/ect/
https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy/news/energy-charter-treaty-strikes-again-as-uniper-sues-netherlands-over-coal-phase-out/
https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy/news/germanys-rwe-uses-energy-charter-treaty-to-challenge-dutch-coal-phase-out/ - https://energy-charter-dirty-secrets.org/#section5
- This toxic fossil fuel treaty is called the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) https://friendsoftheearth.eu/news/how-the-energy-charter-treaty-derails-climate-action/
- https://act.wemove.eu/campaigns/stop-big-pollutors
- https://foeeurope.org/sites/default/files/climate_justice/2020/ect_axe_to_climate_action.pdf
In partnership with:
Companies drilling for oil or burning coal use the toxic treaty to sue governments that stop them. It is a threat to our governments trying to transition to clean energy and could cost Europeans over 7 billion euros.
Right now is our crucial chance to end this treaty which gives full power to fossil fuel industries, before we are locked into it for years to come. It is the EU Commissioners in charge who need to hear our voices.
To drown out the fossil fuel companies’ pressure we have gathered this morning, en masse right outside the Commissioners office. Even though you are not physically here with us, help make sure they cannot ignore our message.
If you contact the Commissioners now they won’t be able to avoid the message inside or outside their office! Will you strengthen our voices and tell the Commissioners to say no to this toxic treaty!
Send a tweet
Please can you chip in?
Thank you for joining the revolt against the fossil fuel industry suing our governments for protecting our planet.
But to get the whole of Europe out of this dangerous treaty, we will need you every step of the way.
Our campaigns are people powered and people funded. We receive no money from corporations and governments.
Donate now and consider making a recurring contribution to help WeMove Europe’s work all year!
Would you like to make a donation in British pounds (GBP)? You can do it here.
Other ways of giving
You can transfer your donation to our bank account
Please include your email address as payment reference
WeMove Europe SCE mbH
IBAN: DE98 4306 0967 1177 7069 00
BIC: GENODEM1GLS, GLS Bank
Berlin, Germany
Your personal information will be kept private and held securely. By submitting information you are agreeing to WeMove Europe keeping you informed about campaigns and agree to the use of cookies in accordance with our privacy policy.
Can you spread the word?
Stop big polluters from suing our governments
Next step - spread the word
Stop big polluters from suing our governments