investor-state disputes | ISDS

Investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) refers to a way of handling conflicts under international investment agreements whereby companies from one party are allowed to sue the government of another party. This means they can file a complaint and seek compensation for damages. Many BITs and investment chapters of FTAs allow for this if the investor’s expectation of a profit has been negatively affected by some action that the host government took, such as changing a policy. The dispute is normally handled not in a public court but through a private abritration panel. The usual venues where these proceedings take place are the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (World Bank), the International Chamber of Commerce, the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law or the International Court of Justice.

ISDS is a hot topic right now because it is being challenged very strongly by concerned citizens in the context of the EU-US TTIP negotiations, the TransPacific Partnership talks and the CETA deal between Canada and the EU.

The Australia Institute | 30-Nov-2023
Clive Palmer’s controversial legal strategies challenge Australia’s trade agreements and environmental laws, and have profound implications for global climate action.
IIED | 30-Nov-2023
To achieve the Paris Agreement’s climate goals, states must move away from fossil fuels. But investor–state dispute settlement (ISDS) — a system that enables companies to take states to international arbitration — can increase the cost of this transition.
Novethic | 30-Nov-2023
Créé dans les années 60, le "règlement des différents entre investisseurs et États" s’est transformé en obstacle majeur pour le climat.
EJIL: Talk! | 30-Nov-2023
Our frequent inability to answer even basic questions about the full universe is a salutary reminder that we know less than is ideal about investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS).
bilaterals.org | 29-Nov-2023
Retour sur l’atelier organisé à Marrakech par Attac Maroc, bilaterals.org, CADTM Afrique, GRAIN et l’Observatoire Tunisien de l’Economie.
Harakah Daily | 29-Nov-2023
Kerajaan wajar mengambil langkah memastikan Malaysia tidak dibelenggu dengan Penyelesaian Pertikaian Pelabur Negeri (ISDS) yang terkandung dalam Perjanjian Komprehensif dan Progresif bagi Perkongsian Trans-Pasifik (CPTPP).
London Mining Network | 28-Nov-2023
Nosotros, los abajo firmantes, pedimos a Glencore PLC que abandone la demanda ante los tribunales de arbitraje internacional contra Colombia.
FDI Intelligence | 28-Nov-2023
Investors should prioritise treaty protections when structuring foreign investments, say lawyers.
Radio-Canada | 28-Nov-2023
Le gouvernement du Panama a assuré dimanche être prêt à « défendre » les intérêts du pays après que le groupe minier canadien FQM l’a informé qu’il recourrait à l’arbitrage international si le contrat conclu entre eux était déclaré inconstitutionnel.
El Diario | 27-Nov-2023
Por la supuesta revocación de concesiones mineras para el proyecto Litio Sonora, Cadence Minerals y su subsidiaria REM México Limited (RMML) emitió una solicitud de consultas y negociaciones al Gobierno de México, informó este jueves la compañía en un comunicado la compañía minera de origen británico.