The Energy Charter: what is it?

The European Energy Charter is a European Community initiative put forward by the Netherlands' Prime Minister Lubbers in June 1990. The intent of the Charter is to set up a framework for co-operation, trade and investment in energy products and services with countries of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, based on principles of free-markets and non-discrimination. A Working Group has been tasked with the development of the protocol on nuclear energy. The basic intent is to facilitate co-operation between the signatories across the entire peaceful nuclear fuel cycle and in related fields and activities. Particular emphasis is placed on achieving and maintaining a high level of nuclear safety. The protocol has a preamble and four parts, dealing with: objectives and commitments; principles of responsible nuclear conduct; trade; investment and technology transfer and administrative arrangements. (author)