DATE AND TIME: October 13, 14:00 – 15:00 CEST
LOCATION: Le Phare du Kanaal, Quai des Charbonnages 40, 1080 Molenbeek-Saint-Jean
Description:
An insidious unknown legal clause in investment and trade agreements (known as ISDS) is holding back massive climate action, making states liable for billions in claims by foreign investors who think that national energy and natural resource policies are infringing on their profits. Several European countries have faced cases, while European companies are suing countries in the Global South. Panelists in this event will discuss what ISDS is, how it can impact climate policy and the struggle of communities for resource justice, and the policy pathways to liberate national climate ambition.
Speaking:
- Bart-Jaap Verbeek, senior researcher at SOMO, who will explain the ISDS lawsuit brought by Exxon and Shell against the Netherlands. The two fossil fuel multinationals are expecting local communities to foot the bill for the damages caused by their fracking activities in the region of Groningen.
- Paul de Clerck, Economic Justice Coordinator at Friends of the Earth Europe, who will discuss the “chilling effect” that ISDS has against public-interest and environmental regulations. He will explain the $29 billion liability that Mozambique faces to the fossil fuel industry, particularly towards TotalEnergies and ENI under contracts for liquified natural gas terminals.
- A member of Belgian civil society will discuss the multi-year fight against the opening of a plastics factory in the port of Antwerp, and the lawsuit now brought by the company INEOS against Belgium for “delays” in permitting won by local concerned communities.
30/09/26
