The European Union, in a statement delivered on 8 July 2026 at the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, reaffirmed its commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) on affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. The statement, delivered on behalf of the EU and its Member States, highlighted the bloc's role as Global Theme Champion on energy access and inclusive energy transitions, and outlined its contributions through multi-stakeholder Energy Compacts and the Global Gateway strategy.
The EU noted its partnership in three Energy Compacts convened by UN-Energy, which include commitments to develop national zero-emission energy roadmaps in selected developing regions and Regional Energy Transition Outlooks for Europe, Africa and Latin America. The EU also supported the Green Hydrogen Compact, bringing together governments, companies and knowledge partners to advance green hydrogen for a net-zero future. The statement emphasized the importance of the Global Compact approach, bringing together governments, UN system, international financial institutions, private sector, civil society and knowledge partners.
Domestically, the EU pointed to its response to the recent energy crisis, combining immediate crisis coordination with a faster transition towards affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy, stronger grids, storage and electrification. The statement also referenced the Electrification Action Plan, foreseen in July 2026, which aims to speed up cost-effective and system-friendly electrification of EU energy consumption in transport, industry and buildings, accompanied by continuous investments in clean energy and flexibility.
Internationally, the EU highlighted its Global Gateway strategy, which supports sustainable and high-quality infrastructure partnerships worldwide. Through Global Gateway and a Team Europe approach, the EU and its Member States are investing in clean energy, grids, connectivity and enabling regulatory frameworks, with a focus on partner countries most in need. The statement stressed that the energy transition must be just, inclusive and grounded in long-term partnerships.
The EU welcomed the launch of key publications supporting the SDG 7 review, including Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report 2026 and the SDG 7 Policy Briefs 2026, as well as UN-Energy's Work Programme for 2026 to 2030, which sets out six priority areas for collective action towards achieving SDG 7.
The statement also recalled the EU's active participation at the SEforALL Global Forum in Barbados in 2025, where it joined global leaders in pledging stronger cooperation and solidarity to accelerate a just and equitable energy transition and strengthen climate resilience.
The EU's continued support for SDG 7 benefits developing countries through increased energy access investments via Global Gateway, but may impose conditionalities related to regulatory frameworks and sustainability standards. EU clean energy industries stand to gain from expanded markets and partnerships, while fossil fuel-dependent sectors face pressure to transition. EU taxpayers bear the cost of international energy aid, though long-term benefits include reduced global energy insecurity and climate risk.