As Europe faces renewed energy price volatility and growing geopolitical uncertainty, Ukrainian climate campaign group Razom We Stand has called for the European Union to accelerate its transition away from imported fossil fuels and towards domestically produced renewable energy at the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) 2026.
Founder and Executive Director Dr Svitlana Romanko represented Razom We Stand at two high-level EUSEW sessions focused on Europe’s energy security, energy independence and clean energy transition. The discussions examined the implementation of the REPowerEU Plan and how accelerating renewable energy deployment can strengthen Europe’s resilience while reducing strategic vulnerabilities linked to fossil fuel imports.
During her closing remarks at the Day 2 Session ‘How accelerating the energy transition improves Europe’s security’, Dr Svitlana Romanko, Founder and Executive Director of Razom We Stand, said:
“I want everyone to acknowledge that this is still remarkable progress. The shift between one type of energy to another normally takes 75 years, the European Union is trying to do it in four and we all have to help. Getting rid of the dependency on fossil fuels, wherever they come from, is essential. Acceleration without locking out fossil fuels will be acceleration with the handbrakes on.”
During the discussions, Dr Romanko highlighted how Europe’s long-standing dependence on imported fossil fuels has contributed to both energy insecurity and geopolitical vulnerability. Prior to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the European Union imported significant volumes of Russian oil and gas, creating economic and security risks that continue to affect the continent today.
Razom We Stand emphasised that fully implementing the REPowerEU Plan, including measures to eliminate remaining imports of Russian fossil fuels, is essential for strengthening Europe’s energy independence. The organisation also warned against new investments in fossil fuel infrastructure that could create long-term dependencies and divert resources away from renewable energy and electrification.
Drawing on Ukraine’s experience during the war, Dr Romanko underscored the role of decentralised renewable energy systems in improving resilience, protecting critical infrastructure, and reducing exposure to external energy shocks. She also highlighted opportunities for closer EU-Ukraine cooperation on clean energy development and reconstruction.
European Sustainable Energy Week is the European Union’s flagship annual event dedicated to renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable energy solutions. The 2026 programme brought together policymakers, industry leaders, civil society organisations and energy experts to discuss pathways towards a secure, competitive and climate-neutral European energy system.
