350.org urges EU to turn fossil fuel phase-out and windfall tax proposals into action ahead of COP31

As the EU links moving away from fossil fuels to energy security and affordability, 350.org calls on European governments to commit to concrete phase-out plans and make polluters pay.

The Council of the European Union has adopted its position for COP31, explicitly connecting the transition away from fossil fuels with energy security and affordability. Separately, European Commissioner for Climate Action Wopke Hoekstra has told Reuters that the European Commission is establishing a working group to assess an EU-wide tax on oil and gas windfall profits.

350.org welcomed these developments as an opportunity to address the financial burden of fossil fuel dependence and ensure that the costs of the energy crisis are not passed on to households while fossil fuel companies continue to benefit.

Clémence Dubois, head of global campaigns for 350.org, said:

“Europe is recognising that dependence on fossil fuels leaves people exposed to spiralling energy costs and repeated energy shocks. Yet while households are left picking up the bill, oil and gas companies continue to profit from the very crises driving those costs.

“The EU’s position ahead of COP31 and the proposed working group on taxing windfall profits are welcome opportunities to turn words into action. But working groups and political statements are not enough. Families cannot pay their bills with another declaration.

European governments must come to COP31 with concrete, time-bound plans to phase out coal, oil and gas, a clear timetable from the Commission for delivering a permanent EU-wide windfall tax, and a commitment to direct the revenues towards household relief, affordable renewable energy and

additional climate finance.

Energy security means breaking free from fossil fuels, not managing our dependence on them. COP31 must be where Europe shows that it is ready to make polluters pay and put people before fossil fuel profits. Households have carried the cost for long enough.”

350.org is urging EU governments to use COP31, taking place in Antalya, Türkiye, in November, to demonstrate how their commitments will translate into meaningful action for people and the climate.

Clémence Dubois continues.

“With energy affordability and security high on the political agenda, COP31 presents a critical opportunity for European governments to show that tackling fossil fuel dependence is not only a climate imperative, but also an economic and social necessity.”

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