Ahead of the European Council on 19-20 March 2026, Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe, on behalf of more than 200 member organisations, representing over 40 million citizens across Europe, shares recommendations with regard to key topics under discussion by the EU’s heads of state.
The CAN Europe network is deeply concerned by the war on Iran, the escalating conflict across the region, and the devastating human toll this brings. CAN Europe denounces breaches of international law and urges EU Member States to pursue constructive and united diplomacy to bring the war to an end.
This crisis is another stark reminder that Europe cannot achieve real energy security whilst remaining dependent on fossil fuel imports, regardless of their origin. At this moment, marked by wars, geopolitical shocks, profound industrial transformation and accelerating climate impacts, the decisions taken at this summit will be pivotal for Europe’s future, with repercussions around the world.
These decisions will help determine whether the European Union will choose to anchor its competitiveness, security and prosperity in a resilient, climate-neutral and socially just economic model, or to risk falling behind in the global transition.
The discussions on competitiveness and the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) must therefore send a clear signal: Europe’s economic strategy, security strategy and budgetary priorities must be firmly aligned with its climate objectives.
CAN Europe letter to EU leaders ahead of the 19-20 March European Council
CAN Europe network is deeply concerned by the war on Iran, the escalating conflict across the region, and the devastating human toll this brings. CAN Europe denounces breaches of international law and urges EU Member States to pursue constructive and united diplomacy to bring the war to an end. This crisis is another stark reminder that Europe cannot achieve real energy security whilst remaining dependent on fossil fuel imports, regardless of their origin.
