04/02/2021 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 2 February, German energy giant RWE filed a request for arbitration against the Netherlands under the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) over the country's decision to discontinue coal-fired generation of power by 2030. According to the Dutch Minister of Economy and Climate, Bas van 't Wout, the company is claiming €1.4 billion in damages from the Dutch state. While Member States are currently discussing the revision of the ECT (see EUROPE 12646/7), several MEPs, as well as environmental non-governmental organisations, have criticised RWE’s decision and reiterated their criticism of the Treaty (see EUROPE 12594/11). “RWE is suing because it can. This case proves once again that the ECT serves the interests of the fossil fuel industry and hinders the EU’s climate policy”, was the reaction from Anna Cavazzini (Greens/EFA, Germany). (DG)