Published on 25 May 2017 in Client Alerts

Volterra Fietta hosts its second Energy Breakfast Seminar

On 24 May, Volterra Fietta hosted its second Energy Breakfast Seminar in its London offices. The seminar, held under Chatham House rules, was entitled “Europe plots its course in the new energy landscape – international and domestic law in conflict?” and two highly distinguished guest speakers, Professor Catherine Redgwell of Oxford University and Mr Patrick Hébréard from CEG Europe, were invited to speak on the topic.  Partner Graham Coop chaired the seminar with partner Robert Volterra acting as commentator.

The seminar mostly focused on the economic and financial aspects of European Union (“EU”) regulation in the energy sector, highlighting the lack of EU integration on this sector as well as the lack of stability for investors due to the changing priorities of different European actors.  In particular, Mr Hébréard noted how certain initiatives such as the proposed Energy Union could pose several unforeseen risks for investors.

Mr Volterra noted that Europe is currently comprised of a patchwork of energy regulations, including within the EU, which makes it remarkably hard to establish whether common energy objectives are being pursued.  Further, he also highlighted that the European Commission has several energy-related aspirations which are not always implemented with sufficient predictability for investors in the energy sector to react appropriately to market and political risks.

The Firm is pleased to say that, once more, its objective of bringing together an intimate group of hand-picked energy experts in order to encourage a sincere and open discussion was a complete success.  Volterra Fietta is now looking forward to hosting its final Energy Breakfast Seminar to be held on 8 June.

The external speakers for the third and final Energy Breakfast Seminar include Dr Danae Azaria from University College London and Mr Tim Martin, an independent counsel, arbitrator and expert in energy cases.  The theme of the seminar will be “Energy transmission facilities: how have past disputes been resolved and how can future disputes be avoided?”.

More Client Alerts

| Client Alerts

Algeria adopts new mining law

On 3 August 2025, Algeria adopted Law No. 25‑12 of 3 August 2025 governing mining activities, which was published in the Official Journal No. 52 on 7 August 2025 (“New Mining Law”). The law repeals the previous mining regime established under Law No. 14-05 of 24 February 2014.

Learn more

| Client Alerts

ITLOS amends guidelines on the preparation and presentation of cases before the Tribunal

In September 2025, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (“ITLOS”) adopted amendments to its Guidelines concerning the Preparation and Presentation of Cases before the Tribunal (“Guidelines”).  The revised text updates the Guidelines that the Tribunal originally adopted in 1997.

Learn more

| Client Alerts

China and Russia reportedly sign Bilateral Investment Treaty

Specialized press reported that on 8 May 2025, the Russian Federation (“Russia”) and the People’s Republic of China (“China”) reportedly signed a bilateral investment treaty “on the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments” (“BIT”), to update and put an end to the 2006 bilateral investment treaty previously signed by the countries (“2006 Agreement”).

Learn more

| Client Alerts

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: New Draft Arbitration Law

On 24 September 2025, the National Competitive Centre (“NCC”) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (“KSA”) published the “Draft of Arbitration Law” (the “Draft Arbitration Law” or the “DAL”), following the Council of Ministers’ June 2025 Resolution, as part of KSA’s efforts to modernise the regulatory framework of arbitration, with the objective of “enhancing perceptions of arbitration in the Kingdom, in a manner that positively reflects on the relevant international indicators”.

Learn more
View all