Trends in the formation and development of BRICS energy law

BRICS continues to pursue active development by forming joint approaches to cooperation in a number of areas, with energy cooperation representing a particularly significant aspect of this process. In the context of dialogue and constructive discussions, representatives of the BRICS member states engage in deliberations concerning the present state and problematic aspects of international collaboration in various domains and identify potential avenues for its future development. With each passing year, the events held by BRICS attract a growing level of interest. In 2024, the year of the Russian Federation’s BRICS Chairmanship, numerous events took place across a range of energy cooperation areas. Based on the outcomes of the meetings and discussions, noteworthy proposals have been formulated that could have a significant impact on the further strengthening of the energy legal order and the development of international energy ties. The current international legal regulation in the energy sector within the BRICS framework is currently implemented on a bilateral basis between the BRICS member states, which provide for various forms of cooperation in the energy sectors. An analysis of the intergovernmental agreements concluded between the BRICS member states reveals that these agreements can be classified into several conventional groups: agreements on cooperation in multiple energy sectors, agreements on cooperation in two energy sectors, and agreements on the implementation of an energy project in a single energy sector. It is noteworthy that the principles of international cooperation in the field of energy, as enshrined in the existing international agreements of the BRICS member states, exhibit a high degree of similarity. This provides a favorable foundation for the further development of such principles as the basic tenets of relations with other BRICS member states.