In October 2022, France became the fourth country this year to announce its exit from the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT), an international agreement that protects the investments of energy companies, over climate concerns. Spain and the Netherlands had previously confirmed their intention to withdraw, the Polish lower chamber of Parliament voted to formally leave the treaty last month. Italy withdrew from the controversial treaty in 2016.

In November 2022, Germany also announced its intention to leave the Treaty. Slovenia, Denmark, Ireland and Portugal have since also announced they intend to leave.

Climate campaigners are urging governments and the EU to reject the ECT, which investors in the bloc have been using to challenge decisions by EU countries to phase out fossil fuels. The EU has been negotiating on behalf on its member states to reform the ECT, with a preliminary deal announced in June, however this effort to "modernise" the treaty has been criticised as insufficient.

Following a deadlock in talks, the Belgian EU presidency reached a new deal with the Commission and member states in March 2024. The proposal offers member states the option to approve the modernisation of the treaty at the upcoming ECT Conference while allowing the EU itself to leave.