After France a month ago another big EU player announced it is leaving the ECT Treaty! On Friday Andreas Audretsch, Bundestag member and deputy group chairman of the green party, commented “today is a great day for climate protection in Germany, Europe and worldwide”. He says that the coalition agreed that Germany would “unilaterally withdraw from the Energy Charter Treaty” and in doing so resolve “a huge blockade for more climate protection”. He draws attention to the “many lawsuits in the billions” countries have faced under the ECT, referencing Germany’s €8 billion settlement with Vattenfall following a claim for the nuclear phase-out, and RWE and Uniper’s claims against the Netherlands for its coal phase-out. “This will come to an end in the future,” he concludes. “With Germany’s exit, Germany is taking a huge step towards more climate protection. By withdrawing from the treaty, we are showing that the traffic light is ready to make tough and clear decisions to protect the climate