The Santa Marta conference comes at a moment when strong political and diplomatic leadership is urgently needed in the face of escalating violence and geopolitical tension. 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. Beyond the devastating human toll, the conflict has once again exposed how fragile Europe’s dependence on expensive and risky imported fossil fuels is. Co-hosted by the Colombian and Dutch governments, the Santa Marta Conference comes at a critical moment for both European and Global South governments to address continued dependence on unstable fossil fuels. The Conference must deliver a clear signal: the fossil fuel era is ending, and governments must act now to plan a fast, fair, and people-centred transition, grounded in international law, human rights, and stronger diplomatic cooperation between countries. There can be no lasting peace in a fossil fuel economy.
European active participation will be critical to sustain momentum. The EU has a strong foundation in its climate and energy policies, which, if reinforced and aligned with setting a clear fossil fuel phaseout framework, can accelerate the transition and boost international momentum. The Commission, Member States, and like-minded countries should attend at ministerial level, announce concrete commitments, and strengthen dialogue with partner countries to build momentum on international cooperation.