Spain withdraws from the Energy Charter Treaty

On May 14, 2024,1 the Spanish Official State Gazette ("BOE") published the withdrawal by the Kingdom of Spain of the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) as well as the Energy Charter Protocol on energy efficiency and related environmental aspects. Our experts explain the background of this withdrawal and analyze its impact over present and future investments in the energy sector.

Key aspects: 

• On April 16, 2024, the Government of the Republic of Portugal, in its capacity as the depositary of the ECT, received the notice of withdrawal by Spain from the Treaty;   
• Spain’s withdrawal from the ECT will take effect on April 17, 2025;   
• Investments made by foreign investors in the territory of Spain or by Spanish investors in other ECT Contracting States will continue to be protected by the ECT until April 17, 2045. 

Related publication: Post | Portugal formalizes its withdrawal from Energy Charter Treaty (ECT).