"The Council reconfirms the EU’s commitment to the clean transition to achieve its strategic autonomy"

"Acknowledging the EU’s geopolitical exposure due to its significant reliance on imported fossil fuels, the Council reconfirmed the EU’s commitment to the clean transition as the most effective strategy towards achieving Europe’s strategic autonomy", declares the Council of the EU, which approved conclusions on energy and climate diplomacy on 21/04/2026.

"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", it highlights.

The Council conclusions view the "clean transition" as "a driver of innovation, economic growth and competitiveness globally, as well as being the key response to the climate crisis". Thus, foreign policy should aim "to support the growth of the European clean tech sector", as it is linked to EU defence readiness and the resilience of militaries.

The Council also outlined that the EU aims to continue being a leader on global climate action and environmental protection, through the UNFCCC (UN…