Europe, be faithful for our common home

Launched during Laudato Si’ Week, the statement calls on the EU to remain steadfast in its founding values of human dignity and the common good by accelerating a just energy transition. The appeal arrives at a critical political juncture, as Ireland prepares to take over the EU Presidency in the second half of 2026, ahead of the next fossil fuel phase-out conference to be co-hosted by Ireland and Tuvalu in early 2027, and as European leaders begin negotiations on the next seven-year EU budget.

The signatories express their deep concern that the EU is currently dismantling its own legislation and turning its back on its role as a global climate leader. Too often, ‘simplification’ has led to deregulation, for instance, through the ongoing ‘Omnibus’ legislation: delaying climate commitments, increasing fossil fuel dependence, weakening due diligence, and cutting social and environmental safeguards.

Inspired by the imperative to care for creation and the most vulnerable, aligned with the recent Manifesto of the Bishops of the Global South for a just transition beyond fossil fuels, and encouraged by Pope Leo’s call to leave “no room for indifference or resignation”, these faith communities demand four immediate actions:

• Fossil fuel phase-out: Establish a clear strategy to exit coal by 2030, gas by 2035, and oil by 2040, alongside an immediate ban on all new fossil fuel exploration and an end to permits for new fossil fuel infrastructure.
• Fossil fuel profit tax and no fossil fuel subsidies: Introduce a permanent tax on the massive profits of fossil fuel companies. These funds must be directed to finance the energy transition and support the most vulnerable households.
• Clean energy investment and sufficiency: Massively scale up investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency and electrification, while promoting “energy sufficiency” and a circular economy to save resources.
• Climate finance and social justice in the EU budget: The next 7-year EU budget (MFF), to be finalised by late 2027, must prioritise those struggling to pay their energy bills over the interests of corporations accumulating billions in profits.

As Josianne Gauthier, the Secretary General of CIDSE, stated: “Europe must lead by example. The shift away from fossil fuels must be just, adequately financed, and rooted in human rights to ensure that workers, indigenous communities, or vulnerable groups are not left behind. The time for pledges is over; multilateral action must now shape a transition that is equitable, community-centered, and based on shared ownership”.

This article is also published on CIDSE. illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability & Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.

Track the real‑world impact behind the sustainability headlines. Illuminem’s Data Hub™ offers transparent performance data and climate targets of companies driving the transition.