140+ faith organisations urge EU to tax massive fossil fuel profits and lead global transition

Source: Laudato si Movement

At a time of profound global uncertainty and conflicts that underscore the growing risks of fossil fuel dependency, a coalition of over 140 Christian organisations from 20 EU countries has issued for the first time an urgent appeal to European Union institutions: "Europe, Be Faithful for our Common Home." These include Laudato Si' Movement, Caritas Europa, CIDSE, several Jesuit provinces, Pax Christi International, the European Christian Environmental Network (ECEN) and organisations like UISG and USG, representing more than 600,000 members of religious congregations.

Launched during Laudato Si' Week, the appeal calls on the EU to remain steadfast in its founding values of human dignity and the common good by accelerating a just energy transition. The appeal arrives at a critical political juncture, as Ireland prepares to take over the EU Presidency in the second half of 2026, ahead of the next fossil fuel phase-out conference to be co-hosted by Ireland and Tuvalu in early 2027, and as European leaders begin negotiations on the next seven-year EU budget.

During his Regina Caeli address last Sunday, Pope Leo shared his concern about delays to climate action: "Sadly, in recent years, due to wars, progress in this direction has been greatly impeded. Therefore, I encourage the members of the Laudato Si' Movement and all who promote an integral ecology to renew their commitment. Indeed, caring for peace is caring for life!".

"This campaign comes at a critical moment, as the second global energy crisis in under five years and major conflicts highlight our shared interdependence and vulnerability. Europe has a unique opportunity and the moral responsibility to accelerate the phase out of fossil fuels and shift to clean energy, including through a permanent tax on the colossal profits of fossil fuel companies", shares Dr Lorna Gold, Executive Director of Laudato Si' Movement.

"Europe faces a stark choice: lead the phase-out of fossil fuels, or side with the most polluting companies responsible for half of global carbon emissions," the document states. The staggering influence of these corporations is highlighted by the fact that the 100 largest oil and gas companies have been raking in more than $30 million in windfall profits every hour during the Iran conflict, capitalising on global instability while driving the climate crisis.

This urgent call is backed by public sentiment: the latest Eurobarometer survey confirms that a vast majority of European citizens continue to support decisive climate action. Furthermore, the economic benefits of the transition are already visible; in March 2026 alone, solar power saved Europe €3 billion in fossil fuel imports, proving that the shift to renewables is as much an economic imperative as a moral one.

The signatories express their deep concern that the EU is currently dismantling its own legislation and turning its back on its role as a global climate leader. Too often, 'simplification' has led to deregulation, for instance, through the ongoing 'Omnibus' legislation: delaying climate commitments, increasing fossil fuel dependence, weakening due diligence, and cutting social and environmental safeguards.

Inspired by the imperative to care for creation and the most vulnerable, aligned with the recent Manifesto of the Bishops of the Global South for a just transition beyond fossil fuels, and encouraged by Pope Leo's call to leave "no room for indifference or resignation", these faith communities demand four immediate actions:

Fossil fuel phase-out: Establish a clear strategy to exit coal by 2030, gas by 2035, and oil by 2040, alongside an immediate ban on all new fossil fuel exploration and an end to permits for new fossil fuel infrastructure.

Fossil fuel profit tax and no fossil fuel subsidies: Introduce a permanent tax on the massive profits of fossil fuel companies. These funds must be directed to finance the energy transition and support the most vulnerable households.

Clean energy investment and sufficiency: Massively scale up investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency and electrification, while promoting "energy sufficiency" and a circular economy to save resources.

Climate finance and social justice in the EU budget: The next seven-year EU budget (MFF), to be finalised by late 2027, must prioritise those struggling to pay their energy bills over the interests of corporations accumulating billions in profits.

"As the first continent to embrace the fossil-fuel-powered economy, Europe holds a historic duty and opportunity to lead the transition to a new era away from fossil fuels," the appeal notes. The organisations raise their voices against injustice and stand in solidarity with those fleeing violence and suffering from the impacts of the climate crisis, extractivism and conflicts fuelled by fossil fuel dependence.

"Europe must lead by example - states Josianne Gauthier, CIDSE Secretary General - the shift away from fossil fuels must be just, adequately financed, and rooted in human rights to ensure that workers, indigenous communities, or vulnerable groups are not left behind. The time for pledges is over; multilateral action must now shape a transition that is equitable, community-centered, and based on shared ownership".

"God will ask us if we have cultivated and cared for the world that he created... What will be our answer?" The appeal concludes with this question from Pope Leo XIV's at the Raising Hope Conference.

Signatory organisations include European and national faith-based institutions, including episcopal bodies, religious orders, social and environmental NGOs, international development charities, and Christian movements and communities. Laudato Si' Movement, Caritas Europa, CIDSE, Jesuit European Social Centre (JESC), Justice & Peace Europe, Pax Christi International, the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK), CCFD-Terre Solidaire, Secours Catholique - Caritas France, Trócaire (Ireland), KOO (Austria), Italian Catholic Action, Światowy Ruch Katolików na rzecz Środowiska (Poland), New Humanity/Focolare Movement, European Christian Environmental Network (ECEN) and over 120 others.

Appeal and list of the +140 Signatories: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aDS72fkxEOhP_CReS8l6AUFEp7Pd_s1Hzg5NMOfFzzE/edit?tab=t.0