A historical victory for Italy: the millionaire sentence in the international lawsuit about the case has been canceled Ombrina Mare. The verdict closes a long legal battle and improves civilian, environmental and institutional mobilization against the exercises in the Adriatic
Italy will not pay RockHopper: the arbitration on the Ombrina Mare Case canceled
The ICSID committee cancels the punishment to Italy
Italy has won the international lawsuits about the Ombrina Mare case. The ad hoc committee of theIcsid He completely canceled the praise that the compensation imposed on the British company Rockhopper Exploration.
The decision, published on 2 June 2025, puts an end to a long legal dispute. The Italian state It no longer has to pay 190 million Euro for a project never carried out.
A dispute that started in 2016
The case was born in 2016, when the Italian government refuses permission Ombrina Mare projectAn offshore payment in the Adriatic Sea, off the coast of Abruzzo. The decision is based on the 2016 Stability Act, which prohibits mining activities within 12 miles from the coast.
The Rockhopper, who took over from the Mediterranean Oil & Gas Company, regards the withdrawal as illegal. According to the English company, the State would have violated the treatise on the Energy Charter (ECT), as a result of which an investment has already been damaged in an advanced phase.
The ICSID RIGHT BANK CONTROL
In 2017, RockHopper launched an arbitration procedure at ICSID, the World Bank Court for disputes between investors and states. In 2022, the arbitration administration gives a reason to British society. The LODO sets a violation of Article 13 of the ECT Convention on the indirect expropriation of investments. Italy is convicted of paying 190 million euros, more interest and legal costs.
The request for cancellation by Italy
The Italian government disputes the price and presents a formal request for cancellation. According to the defense of the State, one of the three referees declared no possible conflict of interest, which endangers the impartiality of the college.
The AD HOC Committee, consisting of three independent international lawyers, welcomes Italian objections. On 2 June 2025, the committee cancel the price completely, so that the conviction is not effective for compensation.
No compensation and confirmed environmental protection
The decision is final and not challenged. Italy will no longer have to pay compensation And confirms the legitimacy of someone’s environmental networks.
The Ombrina Mare project has never started. The wells are abandoned and the concessions have been withdrawn. In the meantime, RockHopper had sold his Italian assets and signed insurance against the possible loss of arbitration. The company will only collect a reduced part of the initially expected compensation.
“There were very few people in the beginning, but we mobilized and step by step we stopped them with a long, winding, full of obstacles – Comments Prof.Sa Maria Rita d’OrsognaFiery environmental activist from Abruzzo, from Los Angeles where he teaches -. The possibilities for discouragement were much, too much. Yet we have never given up, fighting corrupt politicians, against the central government, against the multinationals of oil.
Ultimately, we created a great awareness movement during the boot and we all succeeded in obtaining a national law that would protect all Italian coasts, including Abruzzo and that would place the coast of Teatina at Salvo da Ombrina Mare in 2016. The Mediterranean Oil and Gas closed its doors. The Rockhopper Corporation, also English, hoped to bring some profits on the axis of Omrbina Mare, with the help of the international courts, but it also went wrong here ».
A 15 -year -old fight against the drums. The first protests in 2007 against the Oli Center
The Mobilization of the environment against oil extractions He started in 2007, with the protest against the Oli Center of Ortona project. A compact front is formed immediately: citizens, associations, institutions and parties to lift drilling on land and at sea.
The disaster in the Gulf of Mexico changes the rules
In 2010, the explosion of the platform Deepwater Horizon In the Gulf of Mexico he shakes the public opinion of the world. In response, Italy changes the Act for Offshore concessions. The new legislation blocks projects within 12 miles, including Ombrina Mare 2.
Ombrina -Muria becomes a symbol of the protest
The name Ombrina Mare 2 becomes a national symbol. The project, provided for the theater coast, causes a strong popular reaction. Environmental movements speak of “Oil is derived” And they turn into an attack on the territory and tourism.
Two historical events in Abruzzo
The squares filled en masse: 40 thousand people in Pescara in 2013, 60 thousand in Lanciano in 2015. In those processions, almost all parties paraded side by side, local institutions and even representatives of the Catholic Church. A broad, determined and transversal participation, which a decisive passage in the Fight the drumsFor the protection of the Adriatic Sea.
«Today we have to be happy and proud of our work -Continues d’Orsogna -. This is a story of hope for future generations, of clean and honest democracy, of love for the theatine coast, of the stubbornness of the Abruzzo people.
Everyone who has committed to this case and in particular I would like to remember that my dear friend and supporter of the coast of Teatina are grateful for 30 years, Fabrizia Arduini who, I know for sure, celebrates with us in paradise. Thank you all, it is a wonderful conclusion for Ombrina Mare. Ad Maiora “.