Diversion of Water from the Meuse Case

Diversion of Water from the Meuse Case (Netherlands v. Belgium) [1937], P.C.I.J. (Ser. A/B) No. 70. was a judgment of the Permanent Court of International Justice on terms of treaties.

Case Relating to the Diversion of the Water from the Meuse
CourtPermanent Court of International Justice
Full case name Case Relating to the Diversion of the Water From the Meuse (Netherlands v. Belgium)
DecidedJune 28, 1937
ClaimBelgium violated a 1863 treaty on the use of the Meuse River
Ruling
Belgium did not commit any violation in developing the river resources as it had been doing
Court membership
President
Associate judges

An 1863 treaty between Belgium and the Netherlands regulated water use of the Meuse River to ensure sufficient flow for navigation and irrigation. As the economic use of the river valley developed, increased pressure was placed on the river. In 1937, the Netherlands brought proceedings, alleging that Belgium’s use of the river had expanded beyond the terms of the treaty. Belgium filed counterclaims against expansion projects by the Netherlands.[1]

The Court concluded that the Treaty did not prevent either State from developing the river resources as they had been doing.

References

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  1. ^ Diversion of Water from the Meuse River Case, at International Water Law Website.