To the People of Europe,   

To the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen,

To the President of the European Council Charles Michel,

To the President-elect of the European Council António Costa,

To the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola,

To the commissioners-designate,

1 October 2024

We, European citizens and residents, climate scientists, economists, businesses, social and ecological justice activists, urgently write to you regarding the critical issue of fossil fuel subsidies within the European Union. These subsidies go against Europe’s plans for a sustainable and just transition and fuel the devastating heatwaves we have seen this past summer in our continent. Europe is now the fastest warming continent; we have reached a turning point and cannot afford to delay any further

Fossil fuel subsidies in the EU, estimated at over 400 billion euros based on IMF data, undermine efforts to achieve climate targets set forth in the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal. They distort energy demand, perpetuate dependence on polluting energy sources, and undermine European energy security, while subsidising industries that contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.

Deliver what you promised

The European Union has committed to the phase out of fossil fuel subsidies ”without delay” in the 8th Environmental Action Programme, which entered into force in 2022. To date, the European Union has failed to follow up on this commitment. European citizens are urgently waiting for the EU to act in line with the 2019 Declaration of Climate and Environment Emergency and: 

1. Set a timeline for the phase out of fossil fuel subsidies by 2025: Set a deadline to fossil fuel subsidies on an EU and Member States’ level, in line with a 1.5 °C pathway, and other international commitments. The phase out must be in line with the principles underpinning a just transition, without impacting the efforts to reduce energy poverty in the Union. The EU should provide technical and financial assistance to Member States facing challenges in meeting phase-out deadlines and offer incentives for achieving milestones ahead of schedule.
   
   
2. Adopt comprehensive methodological guidance for member states: Develop comprehensive methodological guidance that accurately and transparently accounts for both explicit and implicit subsidies associated with fossil fuels at the Union and Member States’ levels. It is only with a clear definition of what subsidies are that there can be a concrete commitment to stopping them. The guidance must consider the external costs of fossil fuel subsidies, including environmental degradation, health impacts, and contribution to climate change.
   
   
3. Adopt a framework for transparency and accountability: Develop a binding Union framework to monitor and report on Member States’ progress towards phasing out fossil fuel subsidies. Non-compliance by Member States with the agreed phase out timeline must have consequences, such as financial penalties and reduced access to EU funding.

No climate neutrality with fossil fuel subsidies

The European Union has set itself the objective to be the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, with interim targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and by 90% by 2040. This will not happen without an immediate phase out of fossil fuel subsidies, as a step towards a fossil-free Europe. By ending fossil fuel subsidies, the EU and Member States can redirect resources to turbocharge climate solutions and future-proof the European economy, reducing climate-related financial risks. ​​​Taking this step is critical for international climate action, the protection of natural ecosystems, and the well-being of current and future generations, in Europe and globally.

We demand that the European Union moves beyond promises and takes concrete, immediate action to fulfil the initiatives outlined in the 8th Environmental Action Programme during the upcoming legislative cycle. We are looking forward to seeing plans for the phase out of fossil fuel subsidies in the next Commission work programme.

Year after year, commitments have been made and left unfulfilled, and we can no longer accept inaction. Until these necessary changes occur, people will continue to take to the streets to make our voices heard and hold you accountable. The time for change is not in the future—it is now.
 

Yours sincerely,

United for Climate Justice and its members