European leaders call for justice-driven action on food and energy transitions
Brussels, 11 June 2025. Inspired by the success of past editions, CIDSE, Caritas Europa, COMECE, Don Bosco International, JESC, Justice and Peace Europa and Laudato Si’ Movement, all members of the European Laudato Si’ Alliance (ELSiA) gathered European key stakeholders, policymakers, and civil society representatives in Brussels to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical on care for our common home.
A decade after its publication, Laudato Si’ continues to inspire Catholics and citizens across Europe and beyond, urging reflection and action in response to “the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.” This commemorative event, held at COMECE, offered a unique space for dialogue between faith-based and civil society organisations and EU decision-makers on how to translate the encyclical’s core messages into tangible EU policies.
“In the ten years Laudato Si’, a quiet but powerful movement, has opened the global debate on the moral and ethical foundations of climate justice, showing that the environmental and social crises are not separate, but one complex crises. And yet, still a lot needs to be done. The world is moving backward — and Europe risks retreating from its responsibilities” from Dr. Lorna Gold, Executive Director of Laudato Si’ Movement.
The event featured two expert panels addressing crucial themes: the need for sustainable food systems and a just energy transition in Europe. MEP Manuela Ripa (EPP) contributed to the discussion on reshaping Europe’s food systems, while a second panel tackled the geopolitical and environmental implications of energy reform.
“Our world is changing rapidly & we need everyone on board; without collective effort, meaningful change simply won’t happen“, noted MEP Manuela Ripa, from the EPP.
“The EU is determined to continue with the energy transition. We are not giving up on this. The transition must be driven by national responsibility: through taxation, collective bargaining, & social security to rebalance & redistribute power“, added Philippe Lamberts, Advisor to the European Commission Presidency.
With concrete proposals emerging from the discussions, the event aimed to renew commitment to an integral ecology that places people, especially the most vulnerable, at the heart of Europe’s green transition.
As the European Union prepares for its next legislative cycle, ELSiA and its partners call on institutions to integrate Laudato Si’‘s vision of ecological conversion into every dimension of policymaking — from farm to fork, and from power grids to social protections. The 10th anniversary is not only a time to celebrate, but a moment to act.
The event also provided an opportunity to showcase some successful eco-friendly practices, specifically the renovation of the Trappist Abbey in Brecht (Belgium), presented by the Belgian Eco-Kerk network.
