At its meeting on 21st April 2026, the Council of the European Union approved the Council Conclusions on EU Energy and Climate Diplomacy. The Council has called for EU foreign and security policy to “respond resolutely and with urgency, increase the EU’s resilience and preparedness against climate, environmental and energy security threats, and support efforts to reinforce the EU’s strategic autonomy”.

In the context of the Scientific Advice Mechanism’s work on Solar Radiation Modification (SRM), published at the end of 2024, the Council expresses concern about large-scale climate interventions, particularly SRM. Reflecting the recommendations of the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors, the Council calls for a moratorium on the deployment of SRM technologies, in line with and reinforcing existing rules, and for the EU to continue discussing international governance arrangements, including research.

In the context of the Scientific Advice Mechanism’s recent work on Advanced Materials, the Council supports measures to strengthen the EU’s sovereignty and resilience in critical areas such as the supply of raw materials and to advance strategic projects.

Two upcoming SAM webinars on advanced materials will address strategic autonomy (15th June) and AI as a source of innovation (1st July).