A major new appeal from over 100 Christian organisations across 20 EU countries is calling on the European Union to take decisive action on fossil fuels, including a permanent tax on the massive profits of oil and gas companies and a rapid, just transition to clean energy.
The statement, “Europe, Be Faithful for our Common Home,” brings together a wide coalition of Churches, religious congregations, development agencies and faith-based organisations, including the Laudato Sì Movement, Caritas Europa, CIDSE, Pax Christi International, Jesuit provinces, the European Christian Environmental Network (ECEN) and others representing more than 600,000 members across Europe.
Among the signatories are also three expressions of the Focolare Movement: New Humanity NGO, representing the global Focolare Movement, together with EcoOne and Together for Europe.
Full statement and list of signatories:
https://laudatosimovement.org/news/europe-be-faithful-for-our-common-home/
A decisive moment for Europe
The appeal comes at a critical political moment. Ireland is preparing to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026, placing it in a key position to help shape Europe’s climate and energy direction.
It also comes ahead of the next global Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels, which Ireland will co-host with Tuvalu in 2027 — a landmark process bringing the climate justice concerns of small island states to the heart of international negotiations.
A moral and economic turning point
The appeal warns that Europe faces a stark choice: either lead the phase-out of fossil fuels or continue enabling the industries most responsible for the climate crisis. It highlights the disproportionate profits of fossil fuel companies during global instability and calls for resources to be redirected toward vulnerable communities and a fair energy transition.
It also stresses that the transition is not only a moral imperative but already an economic reality, with renewable energy reducing import costs and strengthening energy security across Europe.
Speaking about the campaign, Dr Lorna Gold, Executive Director of the Laudato Sì Movement, said:
“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.”
Her words reflect the growing conviction among faith communities that climate action must now move from commitments to concrete, structural change.
EcoOne, Together for Europe and New Humanity: a shared vision
The participation of New Humanity, EcoOne and Together for Europe gives the appeal a strong connection to the spirituality of unity inspired by Chiara Lubich.
EcoOne continues to bring together scientists, academics and professionals seeking to integrate ecological science with a human and ethical vision of the environment. Together for Europe promotes reconciliation and fraternity across Christian Churches and movements, fostering a “culture of encounter” across the continent.
Europe’s vocation to unity
For Chiara Lubich, Europe was never only an economic or political project. She saw it as a place called to become a sign of unity among peoples, a reconciled continent capable of offering hope and solidarity to the world. In today’s context of climate crisis and geopolitical tension, this vision gains renewed urgency. A united Europe, grounded in justice and care for creation, is not only vital for its own future but for the wellbeing of the whole human family.
As Ireland moves towards its EU Presidency and prepares to co-host the 2027 global fossil fuel phase-out conference with Tuvalu, this appeal is a timely reminder: Europe’s choices in the coming months will have consequences far beyond its borders — especially for the most vulnerable communities already facing the impacts of climate change.
TAKE ACTION
• Read the Call and let it speak to you
• Insert fossil fuel phase among your personal or community prayer
• If you’re part of an organisation, encourage them to endorse it
• Share it with your community, your parish, your network and invite them to register as a group on the website
• Talk about it — in your own words, from your own experience