In response to yet another energy crisis, broad coalition of organisations is calling on European leaders to make this Europe’s final fossil fuel crisis. The open letter, addressed to Members of the European Council ahead of the summit on 18-19 June, urges EU leaders to move beyond emergency responses and commit to a long-term strategy to end Europe’s structural dependence on fossil fuels.
The letter comes at a critical moment. The Strait of Hormuz crisis, which has once again exposed Europe’s vulnerability to volatile global energy markets and to the economic costs of fossil fuel dependence, has passed the 100-day mark. Europe cannot strengthen its industry or protect its citizens from future shocks while remaining dependent on fossil fuels.
The letter counts industry associations, investors, workers’ representatives, and environmental organisations among its signatories. Together, they highlight the achievements Europe has already made – from the rapid expansion of renewable power since 2022 to the acceleration of electrification across transport and heating – and set out a positive vision for a stronger European economy powered by domestic clean energy.
To deliver on this vision, the letter calls on EU institutions and national governments to launch a European electrification and industrial modernisation effort; provide long-term regulatory certainty for clean energy investment; establish a European framework for fossil fuel independence; and mobilise investment at scale to make renewable energy, electrification, and energy efficiency the most competitive and accessible choice across the economy.
The coalition’s call reflects a broader public mood. New polling shows over 6 in 10 Europeans, from across the political spectrum, believe reducing fossil fuel dependence would make Europe safer.
Manon Dufour, Executive Director, E3G Brussels office, said:
“The breadth of support behind this call sends a clear message to European leaders. From industry associations and investors to workers’ representatives and environmental organisations, there is growing consensus that Europe’s future prosperity depends on accelerating electrification and systematically reducing fossil fuel dependence. Next week’s European Council is a crucial moment for leaders to match that consensus with the political ambition needed to deliver for Europeans.”
Judith Kirton-Darling, General Secretary, industriAll Europe, said:
“Europe cannot respond to the industrial and energy crisis by retreating – we must invest our way forward. Workers are calling for a European energy strategy that guarantees affordable, stable and clean energy for both industry and households. Investing in home-grown clean energy and infrastructure is not only about climate action; it is about security, resilience, prosperity and creating quality jobs across Europe. Public money must come with public value: every subsidy, state aid measure and investment must include strong social conditionalities and local content requirements to ensure that taxpayers’ money delivers decent jobs, fair wages, industrial capacity and a just transition for workers and communities.”
