David Haverbeke

David Haverbeke

Partner
Baker McKenzie BV/SRL

Biography

David Haverbeke is a partner in the Energy & Infrastructure Practice Group in the Brussels office. He joined Baker McKenzie on 1 November 2025. He has been particularly active in the energy sector since 1999 and has advised clients in the energy and utilities sectors, including power and natural gas markets, as well as carbon, hydrogen, water and waste markets. David has been consistently recognized as a leading Energy and Utilities lawyer since over a decade in publications such as Chambers Europe and The European Legal 500.

Practice Focus

David mainly focuses on the regulatory aspects of energy law, acting on behalf of private (international corporations, domestic companies) and public entities (governmental and regulatory entities). David has an in-depth understanding of the legal framework of the sector and provides counsel to major players regarding every aspect of energy regulatory and contractual issues.

He is the go-to person for EU and domestic advocacy and public affairs matters and has significant experience in providing strategic advice and assistance in the regulatory and contractual frameworks in these markets, including permitting issues, greenhouse gas emissions related mechanisms, financing and public procurement. Finally, he has extensive experience in proceedings before the European Court of Justice, administrative and commercial courts, as well as various arbitration courts.

Professional Honors

David has been consistently recognized as a leading Energy and Utilities lawyer in Belgium by publications such as Chambers Europe and The European Legal 500.

Professional Associations and Memberships

  • Aberdeen University Centre for Energy Law (AUCEL) - Fellow and visiting lecturer

Admissions

  • Brussels~Belgium (1998)

Education

  • London School of Economics (Finance Certificate) (1999)
  • Université Libre de Bruxelles (Master in European Law, LL.M) (1998)
  • Catholic University of Leuven (Law degree) (1997)

Languages

  • French
  • Dutch
  • English
  • Spanish
  • German
  • Co-author, "Bankruptcies of energy suppliers in Belgium- Causes, consequences and mitigation,” European Energy Law Report Volume XV, Chapter VII, September 2024
  • Co-author, "Electricity regulation in Belgium: overview," Thomson Reuters Practical Law Energy: Electricity Global Guide: Belgium, March 2021
  • Co-author, "Grensoverschrijdende regels voor de netten – De nieuwe Elektriciteitsverordeningen en de impact hiervan op de transmissie-en distributiesysteembeheerders,” Jaarboek Energierecht 2019, Intersentia, September 2020
  • Co-author, "Le mot du juriste: La Commission européenne précise sa stratégie sur l’hydrogène,” Europ ‘Energies, July 2020