At its meeting in November 2012 in Warsaw, the Energy Charter Conference decided to engage in a process that might lead to the adoption of an updated version of the European Energy Charter of 1991. There was a view that the Energy Charter contained relevant objectives and principles, but that some outdated language in the text could undermine its attractiveness for new countries wishing to join the Energy Charter Process. During that Conference meeting, the Strategy Group was requested to analyse the possible scope of negotiations on an updated political declaration as well as the potential risks and expected benefits.

The Strategy Group will reconvene in October 2013 to advise the Energy Charter Conference whether formal negotiations on the updated Energy Charter can begin.