background image

Greta Thunberg blocks Brussels boulevard in fossil fuel protest

author image

By illuminem briefings

· 2 min read


illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on POLITICO or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Greta Thunberg and Extinction Rebellion activists blocked a major road in Brussels, demanding the European Union end fossil fuel subsidies
• The protesters, padlocked to the ground near EU buildings, criticized European leaders for supporting the oil and gas industry, calling it a failure in climate action

🔭 The context: Despite EU climate goals, experts point out that the Energy Taxation Directive still favors fossil fuels, with over €100 billion annually subsidizing oil and gas
• While Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has pushed to phase out these subsidies, progress has been slow, and the urgency for climate action has diminished in recent political shifts

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Continued subsidies for fossil fuels contradict EU climate targets, delaying the transition to cleaner energy and undermining efforts to combat global warming
• Activists argue for a deeper structural change in production, consumption, and lifestyle to meet climate goals

⏭️ What's next: The EU faces an uphill battle in revising its taxation system and phasing out fossil fuel subsidies
• Activists call for more radical changes, beyond just technological fixes, to address the climate crisis effectively

💬 One quote: "The urgency has been lost," said an EU Commission staffer, reflecting on the slow progress in climate policy

📈 One stat: The EU spends over €100 billion annually on fossil fuel subsidies

Click for more news covering the latest on ethical governance

Did you enjoy this illuminem voice? Support us by sharing this article!
author photo

About the author

illuminem's editorial team - providing you with concise summaries of the most important sustainability news of the day.

Follow us on Linkedin, Twitter​ & Instagram

Other illuminem Voices


Related Posts


You cannot miss it!

Weekly. Free. Your Top 10 Sustainability & Energy Posts.

You can unsubscribe at any time (read our privacy policy)