29/05/2020 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday 28 May, the European Commission published an extensive updated list of bilateral investment agreements between EU Member States and non-Member States (see EUROPE 12465/26, 12274/23). Since the Treaty of Lisbon entered into force, bilateral investment agreements have come under the European Common Commercial Policy. However, while they are expected to be gradually replaced by agreements concluded by the EU, these “temporary” bilateral investment agreements are still being signed, subject to authorisation by the Commission. Consequently, more than 1,300 agreements establishing investment protection mechanisms, including bilateral investor-State dispute settlement provisions, are still being applied, and are sometimes renewed, without making a ripple. None of the investment protection provisions in the new, more recent agreements that the EU has negotiated have entered into force yet. To consult the list, go to: https://bit.ly/2TRcqNl (HD)