CAN Europe’s Statement to EU leaders on the Conflict in the Middle East
13th March 2026, Brussels – As the devastating conflict in Iran and the Middle East continues, the risk of escalation increases. Lasting peace, global justice and climate stability are deeply interconnected and can only be built on justice, respect for human rights, and full compliance with international law. The EU has a responsibility to work with international partners to bring an end to the conflict, ensure full compliance with international law.
Amid any conflict, it is innocent people that are bearing the heaviest burden. CAN Europe stands in solidarity with the people of Iran and the wider region, who are facing the devastating human cost of escalating violence and war, as well as authoritarian oppression – including human rights defenders who, for many years, have faced repression for standing up for fundamental rights and freedom. We urge the EU and Member States to work with international partners and engage in constructive and united diplomacy to stop the war”. – Chiara Martinelli, Director at Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe.
Beyond the devastating human toll, the conflict has once again exposed how fragile Europe’s dependence on expensive and risky imported fossil fuels is. Increasing reliance on LNG replaces one fossil dependency with another, exposing Europe to global market volatility and geopolitical tensions. Europe must mobilise significant investments in energy savings, renewables, grids, storage and electrification in order to shield households and businesses from further energy price shocks.
“This conflict is another stark reminder that there can be no lasting peace in a fossil fuel economy. Europe cannot achieve real energy security while remaining dependent on imported fossil fuels. The most effective and permanent way to protect households and businesses from geopolitical shocks and volatile fossil fuel prices is to accelerate energy savings, renewables, and electrification. Renewables have already overtaken fossil fuels in the EU’s power generation, Europe’s energy transition is unstoppable. With energy savings as our first line of defence and renewables, electrification, storage and grids scaling rapidly, Europe can rely on abundant home-grown renewable energy instead of volatile fossil fuel imports and unreliable partners. – Seda Orhan, Head of Energy at Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe.
In the meantime, it is important to have a clear focus on the short- to mid-term measures that the EU can take in order to address the crisis in a way that accelerates the energy transition rather than locking us in fossil fuel dependency. In the short term, EU and national governments must shield vulnerable households from price spikes through targeted measures to prevent another cost-of-living crisis. In the longer term, the solution is to reduce fossil gas demand altogether and accelerate the energy transition.
“Cutting electricity levies and reforming taxation can provide immediate relief to households and businesses across Europe. But undermining the EU ETS or backsliding on core elements of the EU’s climate framework would only weaken Europe’s response to the crisis. Real energy security lies in accelerating the energy transition, putting an end to fossil fuel dependence, and staying the course of the European Green Deal” – Sven Harmeling, Head of Climate at Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe.
ENDS
For more information and media requests:
James O’Connor, Senior Communications Coordinator, james.oconnor@caneurope.org