Energy and Climate Summit 2026

Energy, geopolitics and Europe’s strategic transition

Europe has entered the decisive phase of its clean industrial transformation. The direction is clear; what matters now is the capacity to deliver at scale and at speed so that climate ambition becomes a driver of competitiveness, resilience and long-term prosperity.

2026 must mark the turning point for aligning sustainability and security within a truly independent European industrial strategy. Energy, geopolitics and economic performance are more intertwined than at any time in recent decades.

Global energy security faces unprecedented political and technical pressures, while record levels of investment in the transition have reached $2.3tn in 2025. For Europe, the challenge is to translate this momentum into an integrated Single Market that rewards high social and environmental standards, strengthens industrial value chains and preserves openness.

The transition must remain economically and socially sustainable. Affordable energy prices, quality jobs and strong domestic value chains will be essential to maintaining public support and preserve the European social model. In addition, the current political momentum represents an opportunity for Europe to advance policies that allow capital to flow better across countries, enhance electrification, make progress on the circular economy, and take advantage of modern technologies that improve the resilience and efficiency in the energy system.

Energy is therefore not only a sectoral issue but a central enabler of Europe’s green industrial agenda and of its broader economic security. In particular, enabling electrification and planning for the increased integration of artificial intelligence in our economies will depend on accelerated grid investment and better planning, resilient supply chains and a more closely connected market.

This summit will bring together ministers, European institutions, industry leaders, investors and civil society to focus on the practical choices that make the green transition investable and competitive. Through a mix of high-level policy debates and more focused spotlight sessions, participants will examine the opportunity of an ever-closer Single Market, diversified supply chains, the urgency of a pragmatic industrial and energy transition, and the benefits of environmental resilience.

Follow us on X, LinkedIn or Instagram and join the #EnergyandClimateSummit discussion!

Our events include photos, audio and video recording that we might use for promotional purposes. By registering you expressly confirm that you have read and understood Friends of Europe privacy policy. Should you have any questions, please contact us on privacy@friendsofeurope.org.

PHOTO CREDIT: Shutterstock| Miha Creative