Brussels – Greenpeace has withdrawn from Politico Europe’s ‘sustainable future summit’ taking place Tuesday and Wednesday, due to the sponsorship and keynote addresses of Spanish fossil fuel company Naturgy. Naturgy is a major importer of liquified fossil gas from Russia, making Spain one of four EU countries spending more on the Russian fuel than on bilateral aid to Ukraine.
Greenpeace EU agriculture policy directory Marco Contiero was due to speak on a panel about food security on Wednesday, but has pulled out over concerns that the fossil fuel industry is paying for an unchallenged platform in front of EU decision makers.
Greenpeace is one of several NGOs who signed an open letter to media outlets running events on EU politics and policy in Brussels, expressing concern about the influence of oil, gas and coal industry sponsorships, and vowing to boycott these panels.
Greenpeace EU agriculture policy director Marco Contiero said: “It is a real pity to have to withdraw from such an event, but fossil fuel companies should not be allowed to pay for a megaphone at what is supposed to be a balanced debate and frame it in their own interests, unchallenged. Polluting companies in the energy or farming sectors present themselves as saviours in crises they profit from and are responsible for, and call on decision makers to weaken health and environmental protections, endangering ordinary people and nature. It’s a disgrace that, while families struggle to pay their energy bills, and family farms go out of business at an alarming rate, lobbyists for fossil fuel companies and industrial farming pressure politicians to protect their shareholders.”
Naturgy was not listed as a sponsor when Greenpeace agreed to participate in the ‘sustainable future summit’. Until 21 November, Politico Europe’s promotional emails for the event did not list Naturgy as one of the sponsors. Senior representatives of Naturgy, including the CEO, are scheduled to give opening remarks to the event on both mornings, with no debate with other participants. Senior politicians from the European Commission, European Parliament and national governments from within and outside the EU will also speak at the event.
Polluters financing Putin’s war
Naturgy primarily sells fossil gas, but also electricity, the bulk of which is produced with fossil fuels. The company presents fossil gas as a “clean, safe energy source” with a “minimal carbon footprint”. Fossil gas was responsible for 28% of the EU’s energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in 2023, more than coal, and is a major source of potent methane leaks.
Naturgy is also a prominent importer of liquefied fossil gas from Russia, netting the Russian state an estimated $1.25 billion between 2022 and 2024, and receiving shipments that had been escorted by Russian nuclear icebreaker ships sanctioned by the EU. Activists from Greenpeace Spain scaled the chimney of a Naturgy power station in 2022 to protest the company’s financial contribution to Putin’s war.
Contacts:
Greenpeace EU press desk: +32 (0)2 274 1911, [email protected]
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Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning network that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. We do not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties. Greenpeace has over three million supporters, and 26 independent national and regional organisations with offices in more than 55 countries.
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