The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, Energy, and Divestment

Abstract

This chapter assesses the role that energy plays in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations and the growing importance that energy security is acquiring in the US-European Union political agenda. It analyzes the potential effects that the liberalization of trade in energy and raw materials is supposed to exert in both economies and the way in which the so-called US "shale gas revolution" will drive major changes in the commercialization of energy products. The chapter then illustrates the main problematic aspects currently under discussion regarding the application of the TTIP to the energy sector. Lastly, it discusses how divestment campaigns might constitute a valid instrument of socio-political pressure to induce energy companies and governments to adopt more ethical and environmentally-friendly policies.