DAVID Haverbeke

Area of specialisation

• Energy and Natural Resources

Bar admission

• Belgium

Experience with legal system

• Belgium

Professional experience

My experience includes both Belgium and EU legal systems. I have been a Partner in the Brussels' Energy and Utilities department at Fieldfisher Belgium LLP since September 2012 and heads the European Energy Regulatory practice. I have significant experience in providing strategic advice and assistance in the liberalisation of the energy markets, including drafting legal and regulatory frameworks in the electricity and gas markets and drafting regulated and negotiated contracts in LNG, natural gas and electricity markets (project development, transit, supply and trading). I have developed an extensive practice in advising and assisting clients in the Belgian and European electricity and gas sectors and acted in various EU member states on a wide range of commercial and regulatory matters including energy contracts, construction and permitting issues, Greenhouse gas emissions related mechanisms, financing and public procurement. Acting on behalf of private (international corporations, domestic companies) and public entities (provinces, regulators), I primarily focus on the regulatory aspects of energy law. In this respect, I'm known for having contributed to the implementation of both the Electricity and Gas Directive. Thanks to my in-depth understanding of the legal framework of the sector, I provide counsel to major players regarding every aspect of energy contracts (both regulated agreements as well as commercial contracts).Greenhouse gas emissions related mechanisms and public procurement belong to my expertise. I have extensive experience in proceedings before commercial courts, the Belgian Council of State, the Constitutional Court, the European Court of Justice and various arbitration courts. My recent work includes acting as arbitrator (ICAC, CEPINA) in commercial disputes.