On October 4, 2024, United for Climate Justice (UCJ) organized a protest in Brussels, urging European Union (EU) leaders to cease state funding of fossil fuels. The demonstration attracted around 400 participants from Europe and the Global South, beginning at the European Parliament and culminating in Merode, where activists held a People’s Assembly on Climate Justice. A contingent of 135 activists also blocked Boulevard du Jardin Botanique for two hours, resulting in the arrest of 115 individuals, including prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg.
This protest followed the release of an open letter, co-signed by over 130 academics and organizations such as Oxfam, Greenpeace, and 350.org. Addressed to EU leadership, the letter criticized fossil fuel subsidies for distorting energy demand and perpetuating reliance on polluting energy sources, while undermining European energy security. The signatories emphasized that these subsidies are incompatible with the EU’s environmental targets and contribute to the global climate crisis, particularly impacting vulnerable communities.
???? More than 130 organisations and academics have endorsed an open letter to demand an immediate end to fossil fuel subsidies in the EU.
???? It’s time to walk the talk and put a stop to billions of euros fueling the climate crisis!#StopFossilSubsidies pic.twitter.com/sfXVyuNr6F— stopfossilsubsidies (@stopfossilsubs) October 2, 2024
UCJ advocates for the elimination of environmentally harmful subsidies across the EU by 2025, aligning with the Paris Agreement and the objectives outlined in the 8th Environmental Action Programme. They express concern over the EU’s ongoing support for the fossil fuel industry, which they argue raises doubts about the commitment to effective climate action. UCJ’s Paolo Destilo highlighted the need for binding citizens’ assemblies, suggesting that randomly selected citizens, informed by scientists, could better represent societal interests compared to career politicians.
Despite pledges to eliminate harmful subsidies, the EU’s progress has been slow. Data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) revealed that explicit fossil fuel subsidies in the EU exceeded €171 billion in 2022. Activists warn that without urgent action, the EU risks failing to meet its climate goals for 2030 and 2050, potentially leading to severe ecological and humanitarian consequences.
Dr. Angela Huston Gold, a UCJ spokesperson, pointed to the escalating frequency of extreme weather events, emphasizing the urgency of ending fossil fuel subsidies to prevent further ecological and social collapse. The People’s Assembly convened 20 representatives from various communities to discuss the multifaceted impacts of fossil fuel subsidies, including their role in militarization and displacement.
Sophie Paul from Scientists for Extinction Rebellion UK praised the assembly for its inclusive and international approach, underscoring the importance of centering the voices of those directly affected by the climate crisis. As the global community seeks to transition away from fossil fuels, this protest serves as a significant call to action for EU leaders to align their policies with climate justice principles.
