Good Practices
Good Practices

Statement

RGI joins 200+ organisations calling on an EU plan to exit fossil fuel dependence

Statement

Topic

Energy system planning & implementation

Published 28 August 2026

Together with 200+ European, international and national organisations and industry associations, RGI is calling on EU leaders to make a concrete plan for Europe’s exit from fossil fuels.

This summer, European citizens are paying twice for our dependence on fossil fuels: through ever growing energy bills and through the devastating impacts of heatwaves, droughts and wildfires.

Today, RGI joined 200+ European organisations across industry, civil society and environmental groups in calling on European Commision President Ursula von der Leyen ahead of her State of the European Union speech in September to launch a comprehensive, science-based and independent report on how Europe can end its dependence on fossil fuels.

Main priorities

Led by an eminent independent figure and developed with academia, civil society, social partners and businesses, this report should provide a shared strategic vision for the remainder of the mandate, and deliver a fossil fuel exit plan based on five priorities:

01

Quantify the full economic and financial burden of dependence

02

Chart the fastest competitive exit

03

Align every euro with the exit

04

Leave no one behind

05

Make nature our ally and first line of defence in climate action

Read the full statement

Joint Letter: Making this fossil fuel crisis Europe’s last one

Learn More

contact

Alexandros Fakas Kakouris

Senior Manager – Energy and Policy Systems

Alexandros Fakas Kakouris

Senior Manager – Energy and Policy Systems

t: +49 30 2332 11021
Alexandros joined RGI in March 2021 to support its Advocacy team. He is a fully qualified lawyer in Greece and prior to RGI worked as legal counsel in law firms and corporate environments in Greece and Germany. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) and he is currently pursuing a Master of Business Law (MBL) with a focus on European and International Energy Law at the Technical University of Berlin.

Stephanie Bätjer

Director – Communication

Stephanie Bätjer

Director – Communication

t: +49 30 2332 11017
Stephanie Bätjer is leading the Renewables Grid Initiative’s communication and event activities as Programme Manager – Communication. She is also heavily involved in RGI’s policy work and all activities that look at social engagement around grids. She previously worked in the communications team of the European Climate Foundation. Stephanie has studied at the Universities of Marburg and Hamburg, Germany, and the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. She holds degrees in political science and journalism.

Alexandros Fakas Kakouris

Senior Manager – Energy and Policy Systems

Alexandros Fakas Kakouris

Senior Manager – Energy and Policy Systems

t: +49 30 2332 11021
Alexandros joined RGI in March 2021 to support its Advocacy team. He is a fully qualified lawyer in Greece and prior to RGI worked as legal counsel in law firms and corporate environments in Greece and Germany. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) and he is currently pursuing a Master of Business Law (MBL) with a focus on European and International Energy Law at the Technical University of Berlin.

Stephanie Bätjer

Director – Communication

Stephanie Bätjer

Director – Communication

t: +49 30 2332 11017
Stephanie Bätjer is leading the Renewables Grid Initiative’s communication and event activities as Programme Manager – Communication. She is also heavily involved in RGI’s policy work and all activities that look at social engagement around grids. She previously worked in the communications team of the European Climate Foundation. Stephanie has studied at the Universities of Marburg and Hamburg, Germany, and the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. She holds degrees in political science and journalism.