Abstract

An investment chapter in TTIP offers an unprecedented opportunity to reform and improve the  system  of  investment  law.  If  the  EU  and  the  US  seize  this  opportunity,  it  would  set  an important  precedent  in  treaty-drafting,  allowing  for  the  incorporation  of  public  policy objectives,  thereby  protecting  states’  right  to  regulate.  Ultimately,  this  type  of  concerted strategy  is  likely  to  be  far  stronger  than  the  individual  country  strategy  necessitated  by  the present  system  of  over  3,000  bilateral  treaties.  The  most  important  conclusion  that  should emerge from current discussions is that that there is a need for correct, timely and complete information  for  law-  and  policy-makers  as  well  as  the  broader  public,  in  relation  to international investment law and procedures for investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS).