European leadership on fossil fuel phase out: Lessons learned and future directions

On 25 February 2026, the University of Sussex and the European Economic and Social Committee will host an event and workshop on European leadership on fossil fuel phase out: Lessons learned and future directions. 

Taking place at a critical moment - following the outcomes of COP30, amid growing calls for concrete roadmaps to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels, and ahead of the world’s first summit on a just transition away from fossil fuels in 2026 - the event will examine how EU leadership, experience, and policy tools can help accelerate action within Europe and beyond.

It will bring together high-level policymakers, businesses, trade unions and civil society partners, and leading researchers to share lessons from European first movers and discuss future directions for EU leadership in phasing out fossil fuel production.

The public debate will take place in the morning from 9:00 to 13:00, followed by an internal workshop to explore pathways to more ambitious supply-side policy in Europe to phase out fossil fuels.

This morning session will be video-recorded and broadcasted live.

Join us on 25 February. Registrations are now open.