An important push towards ending reliance on fossil fuels is unfolding with Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen positioning the European Union as a committed leader at the upcoming First International Conference for the Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels. The event, co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands in April 2026, is set to stir reactions among governments, fossil fuel suppliers, climate activists, and industries tied to energy production, as the EU signals its drive for a fair, global phase-out aligned with climate justice.
This statement responds to a parliamentary question from MEP Martin Günther (The Left) and a coalition of colleagues from The Left, Verts/ALE, and S&D groups, who sought clarity on the EU's participation and policy commitments at the conference.
The Commission's reply provides concrete policy orientations rather than vague commitments. It reaffirms the EU’s ambitious climate objectives with a legally binding target of 90% greenhouse gas reduction by 2040 and underlines active engagement in global forums, including the Global Energy Transitions Forum launched in Davos 2025. Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth is slated to attend the conference, although final details remain pending.
The policy direction emphasizes international cooperation and maintaining momentum on the clean energy transition, balancing ambitious EU climate goals with diplomatic engagement with fossil fuel supplier nations. It highlights a shift toward strengthening EU regulatory frameworks (e.g., the EU Methane Regulation) and export-import partnerships focused on phasing out fossil fuels.
Stakeholders impacted include the EU climate regulatory bodies and national authorities, who will manage compliance challenges; fossil fuel exporting countries, whose demands and relations with the EU may be affected; EU energy and industrial sectors facing operational shifts; and civil society groups advocating for environmental justice who will welcome EU’s active leadership. The policy strengthens EU oversight and signaling on climate leadership but may impose operational and diplomatic pressures on partners and industries.
This Commission response, delivered within procedural deadlines, highlights EU intent to pivot international climate dialogue towards just and enforceable fossil fuel phase-out strategies, setting the stage for future policy and cooperation developments.
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