This policy brief analyzes the extent to which the existing legal framework and government-to-government (G2G) agreements concluded with the United Arab Emirates, Hungary, France, and the United States ensure environmental protection during the planning and implementation of infrastructure projects. The analysis reveals that the issue lies not in the G2G model itself, but in the fact that key decisions regarding the partner, location, and technical solution are often made before environmental impact assessments, the consideration of alternatives, and public consultations can have a genuine impact on the project.

The policy brief identifies four key structural risks associated with the G2G model—political project lock-in, information asymmetry, fragmented accountability, and pressures related to speed and financing—which can undermine the effectiveness of existing environmental protection mechanisms. A comparative analysis shows that the French model represents the closest example of international best practice, owing to the inclusion of provisions on integrity, anti-corruption measures, and environmental responsibility.

CeMI recommends introducing a mandatory public interest test prior to initiating G2G negotiations, strengthening binding environmental clauses in agreements and project contracts, enhancing transparency through the publication of key documentation, and bolstering the independence of institutions responsible for conducting Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedures. The goal is for future G2G agreements not to be an exception to environmental protection and transparency standards, but rather an instrument for enhancing them.