EU Energy and Climate Diplomacy: Council Approves Conclusions

• Council of the EU
• Press release
• 21 April 2026 14:45

EU energy and climate diplomacy: Council approves conclusions

In a world of growing geopolitical fragmentation and a rules-based international order under strain, energy security risks and the existential threat of climate change endanger the EU’s sovereignty. Vulnerabilities in energy and technology supply chains put EU competitiveness and economic security at risk, while the severe impacts of climate change and environmental degradation imperil international peace and security.

Against this backdrop, the Council today approved conclusions on 'EU energy and climate diplomacy – strengthening sovereignty and advancing the global clean transition'. Acknowledging the EU’s geopolitical exposure due to its significant reliance on imported fossil fuels – as demonstrated in the context of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and by the threats posed by hostilities in Iran and the wider region – the Council reconfirmed the EU’s commitment to the clean transition as the most effective strategy towards achieving Europe’s strategic autonomy.

The clean transition further acts as a driver of innovation, economic growth and competitiveness globally, as well as being the key response to the climate crisis. The conclusions call for a decisive and urgent response from EU foreign and security policy to support building a stronger resilience and preparedness against climate, environmental and energy security threats.

The Council highlighted the need for EU foreign policy to support the growth of the European clean tech sector by promoting European products and technologies across the globe. Member States also recognised that the technological and innovation potential of the clean transition can help bolster EU defence readiness and the resilience of militaries.

The conclusions reconfirm that the EU will continue to lead on global climate action and environmental protection. The Council affirms the EU’s unwavering commitment to advancing a multilateral approach through the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, to keep the 1.5°C temperature goal within reach. Underlining the EU’s substantial contribution through its existing climate targets, the Council urges international partners to set and implement ambitious greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals as soon as possible.

In this context, the EU will continue forging mutually beneficial partnerships that advance the clean transition and global resilience. As a reliable partner and the world’s largest provider of climate finance, the EU stands ready to deepen cooperation through a wide range of initiatives, partnerships, and instruments – prioritising engagement with those willing to mainstream and accelerate climate action.

The Council is aware that the impacts of the climate crisis pose a threat to global and European peace and security even already at current warming levels. Climate-induced fragility and displacement in vulnerable regions can be exploited by hostile actors. To respond, the Council urges the EU to strengthen global and regional stability by supporting resilience, preparedness and adaptation in third countries, especially in climate-vulnerable and fragile areas and the broader European neighbourhood. Declining fossil fuel revenues and attempted climate interventions can introduce further geopolitical risks. To ensure global security and resilience, the EU needs to continue integrating climate and environmental aspects into foreign, security and defence policy.

The Council reiterates the EU’s offer of partnerships and invites the High Representative and the Commission to develop, together with member states in a Team Europe approach, holistic cross-sectoral approaches for intensified and systematic engagement with third countries.

• Text of the conclusions
• Global climate action (background information)

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Topics
- Foreign affairs
- Climate
- Nature and biodiversity
- Energy
- Development

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