E3G

A year ago, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament that Europe was in a fight for its future, framing it asits “independence moment.” Since then, Europe has been confronted with its vulnerabilities: from trade, technology and security to energy and risks from extreme weather. Recent events have underscored the need for a more resilient European economy and stronger strategic autonomy. Europe has been trying to rise to the challenge – but progress is slow.

Media can receive targeted news, developments and exclusive analysis via E3G’s WhatsApp broadcast for journalists. Experts from the E3G team bring you access to exclusive WhatsApp updates with background, comment, press advisories and releases for key geopolitical and climate events over the year – the UNFCCC key moments including Bonn, UNGA, COP; WB Springs and Annuals, Munich Security Conference, for example. This service is used to support key moments and not for routine updates.

In 2026, Europe endured one of its hottest ever summers putting the EU’s resilience and energy security to the test. Now, this autumn’s legislative agenda presents two opportunities to embed lessons from this summer’s heatwaves and plan for a secure and resilient future. The forthcoming Climate Resilience and Risk Management Integrated Framework is a first step to ensuring climate impacts are built into the decisions that shape Europe’s economy.

Ongoing conflict in the Middle East has prompted a renewed focus on energy security, leading many countries to seek domestic sources of supply. At the same time, the declining cost of renewables and batteries often makes clean energy the most economical choice. Together, these factors promise to accelerate a global shift away from fossil fuels, presenting economic management challenges and opportunities for country authorities.

Ongoing conflict in the Middle East has prompted a renewed focus on energy security, leading many countries to seek domestic sources of supply. At the same time, the declining cost of renewables and batteries often makes clean energy the most economical choice. Together, these factors promise to accelerate a global shift away from fossil fuels, presenting economic management challenges and opportunities for country authorities.

Blog Rapid advances in generative AI and increasingly sophisticated digital tools are lowering the cost and increasing the scale and speed at which misleading content can be produced and distributed. Photo by DawDunia via Adobe Stock. 25 Aug 2026 The energy transition is accelerating, with renewable energy generation continuing to break records.

The global transition needs to accelerate at a moment when the world is becoming harder to navigate. Geopolitical fragmentation, conflict and weakening multilateral cooperation are making coordinated climate action more difficult, while debt burdens, high interest rates, fiscal pressures and declining development assistance are squeezing resources, particularly in developing countries.

Great British Energy (GBE) is the UK government’s vehicle to deliver energy security and economic resilience, but it needs to close the gap between ambition and delivery. With fiscal headroom in the UK weak amid the second energy price shock in five years, reducing exposure to fossil fuels is a not only a climate imperative, but also an economic one. GBE will need to use its limited budget strategically to maximise economic impact in the short term.

Asia is becoming the decisive arena for the global energy transition. The region is expected to account for most global energy demand growth over the next decade, driven by economic expansion, rising populations, and rising cooling needs linked to climate change. Clean energy deployment is accelerating rapidly, supported by high ambition, strong renewable resources, innovation, and the potential to expand clean industrial supply chains.

Blog Despite early challenges, South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Partnership has laid the policy, finance and governance foundations needed to accelerate a fair and inclusive energy transition. Image by Geoffsp on Adobe Stock. 30 Jul 2026 Just energy transitions are difficult, especially for emerging economies such as South Africa, where decarbonisation must be balanced with economic development, employment and energy security.