PE Live: Covid-19 may not justify force majeure
The declaring party will need to demonstrate a causal link between the pandemic and the reason it is unable to fulfil its obligations
The existence of the Covid-19 pandemic on its own is not enough for a party to declare force majeure, so the claiming party will need to demonstrate a causal link from an event to the inability to perform obligations, according to panellists on the third PE Live webcast today. While the pandemic is an “extremely serious outbreak and global in reach”, in terms of declaring force majeure “things are not entirely straightforward,” says Richard Nelson, partner, energy practice at international law firm King & Spalding. This stems from force majeure not being an abstract legal concept but one embedded in a contract. “From a legal standpoint, it only exists in a contract. Whatever rights you h
Also in this section
21 April 2026
After overcoming a COVID-induced demand collapse with several years of successful market management, geopolitical events have conspired to provide the pact’s biggest test to date
21 April 2026
The regime’s policy of using nuclear ambiguity as a deterrent may have failed but it has realised it has other cards to play, while its neighbours are reappraising their approach to security
21 April 2026
As the global energy system undergoes a fundamental realignment, Algihaz Holdings has established itself as a critical player bridging conventional energy markets and the next generation of renewable infrastructure.
21 April 2026
The 25th WPC Energy Congress is taking place from 11-15 October 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.
