TotalEnergies’ Brussels Public Affairs Directorate: Advancing Energy Transition and EU Policy Engagement

Brussels, May 18, 2026 — As the European Union accelerates its climate and energy policy agenda, TotalEnergies’ Public Affairs Directorate in Brussels plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s engagement with EU institutions, stakeholders and civil society. With a mandate to represent TotalEnergies’ interests while aligning with the bloc’s sustainability objectives, the Brussels office serves as a critical hub for policy advocacy, stakeholder dialogue, and the promotion of the company’s multi-energy strategy. Here’s what you need to know about its evolving role in 2026.

— ### Why Brussels Matters for TotalEnergies TotalEnergies operates in over 120 countries, but its Brussels-based Public Affairs team is uniquely positioned to influence the regulatory environment that impacts its global operations. The EU’s Green Deal, REPowerEU plan, and forthcoming carbon border adjustments (CBAM) create both challenges and opportunities for energy companies. For TotalEnergies, Brussels is where: – Policy advocacy meets legislative action (e.g., lobbying on renewable energy subsidies, hydrogen infrastructure, and gas market reforms). – Stakeholder engagement bridges industry, NGOs, and policymakers (e.g., participating in the European Climate Pact or the European Energy Forum). – Transparency initiatives align with EU disclosure requirements (e.g., reporting under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, or CSRD). As the company’s 2026 Sustainability & Climate Progress Report highlights, TotalEnergies aims to reduce its Scope 1+2 emissions by 40% by 2030—a target that hinges on EU policy support for low-carbon technologies like hydrogen, biofuels, and offshore wind [1]. The Brussels team is central to securing the regulatory frameworks that will make these ambitions viable. — ### Key Focus Areas in 2026 The Brussels Public Affairs Directorate is prioritizing three strategic pillars this year: #### 1. Accelerating the Energy Transition Through Policy TotalEnergies is doubling down on its multi-energy strategy, which integrates oil and gas with renewables, LNG, and green hydrogen. In Brussels, this translates into: – Lobbying for hydrogen infrastructure: The EU’s REPowerEU plan allocates €870 million to hydrogen projects, and TotalEnergies is advocating for streamlined permitting and cross-border connectivity [2]. – Supporting offshore wind: Despite recent setbacks (e.g., the company’s decision to exit U.S. Offshore wind projects in March 2026), TotalEnergies remains committed to Europe’s wind ambitions. In Brussels, it is pushing for auction reforms to reduce costs and expedite project approvals [3]. – Advocating for LNG as a transition fuel: While phasing out fossil fuels, the EU acknowledges LNG’s role in replacing Russian gas. TotalEnergies is working with the European Commission to clarify LNG’s classification under the EU Taxonomy, ensuring it qualifies as a “transition activity” [4]. #### 2. Strengthening Stakeholder Trust Through Transparency TotalEnergies’ Brussels team is actively engaging with EU institutions to address criticism over its fossil fuel investments, particularly in controversial projects like Tilenga (Uganda) and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). Key initiatives include: – Participation in the EU’s Platform on Taxonomy: The company is collaborating with NGOs and regulators to refine sustainability criteria for oil and gas activities [5]. – Public consultations on CBAM: TotalEnergies is providing technical input to shape the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which will impose tariffs on high-emission imports. The company argues for a gradual phase-in to avoid disrupting supply chains [6]. – Dialogue with European Parliament committees: The Brussels team regularly briefs MEPs on Scope 3 emissions (e.g., methane leaks from upstream operations) and TotalEnergies’ AUSEA technology, which claims to reduce methane emissions by up to 95% [7]. #### 3. Aligning with EU Security of Supply Priorities With geopolitical tensions reshaping global energy markets, TotalEnergies is leveraging its Brussels network to: – Support EU energy independence: The company’s Alaska LNG Project (a 20-year, 2 million tonnes per annum supply deal) is part of its strategy to diversify Europe’s gas sources away from Russia [8]. – Advocate for flexible gas market rules: TotalEnergies is pushing for EU-wide LNG price benchmarks to stabilize markets amid volatility [9]. – Promote biofuels and e-fuels: In line with the EU’s ReFuelEU Aviation Initiative, TotalEnergies is lobbying for mandates on sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and tax incentives for low-carbon alternatives [10]. — ### Controversies and Challenges While TotalEnergies’ Brussels office emphasizes its role as a bridge between industry and EU climate goals, critics highlight persistent tensions: – Fossil fuel expansion vs. Climate commitments: Projects like Tilenga and EACOP clash with the EU’s 2050 net-zero target. Environmental groups, including Friends of the Earth Europe, have accused TotalEnergies of greenwashing by continuing to invest in oil while promoting renewables [11]. – Lobbying transparency: TotalEnergies reports its EU lobbying activities under the Transparency Register, but some MEPs argue the company’s influence over gas market reforms is disproportionate compared to renewable energy advocates [12]. – Methane emissions disputes: While TotalEnergies cites its AUSEA technology as a breakthrough, independent studies (e.g., by the International Energy Agency) suggest methane leakage remains a challenge in upstream operations [13]. — ### How TotalEnergies’ Brussels Office Operates The Public Affairs Directorate employs a multi-pronged approach to influence EU policy: | Strategy | Tactics | Key Stakeholders | Direct Advocacy | Meetings with EU Commissioners, MEPs, and Council officials. | European Commission, European Parliament | | Coalition Building | Partnerships with industry groups (e.g., FuelEU Maritime, Hydrogen Europe). | European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) | | Public Engagement | Webinars, reports, and social media campaigns on energy transition. | Civil society, media, think tanks | | Regulatory Compliance | Proactive alignment with EU directives (e.g., CSRD, Taxonomy). | European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) | — ### Key Takeaways 1. Brussels is TotalEnergies’ EU policy hub, shaping its response to climate regulations, energy security, and stakeholder expectations. 2. The company’s multi-energy strategy—balancing oil, gas, and renewables—requires careful navigation of EU green deals and fossil fuel phase-out timelines. 3. Transparency and trust are critical, with TotalEnergies facing scrutiny over methane emissions, lobbying practices, and controversial projects. 4. Hydrogen, LNG, and offshore wind are the top priorities for 2026, with Brussels playing a decisive role in securing EU support for these technologies. 5. Stakeholder dialogue—especially with NGOs and MEPs—will determine whether TotalEnergies can position itself as a leader in the energy transition or remain entangled in climate controversies. — ### What’s Next for TotalEnergies in Brussels? As the EU prepares to finalize its 2040 climate targets and refine CBAM implementation, TotalEnergies’ Brussels team will face heightened scrutiny. Key watchpoints for the remainder of 2026 include: – The outcome of the EU’s gas market reform (expected later this year), which could redefine LNG’s role in the transition. – Progress on hydrogen infrastructure, particularly the EU Hydrogen Bank and cross-border pipeline projects. – Public reactions to TotalEnergies’ 2026 Shareholders’ Meeting (May 29), where investors and activists will debate the company’s climate strategy [14]. For an industry navigating the tightrope between energy security and decarbonization, Brussels remains the ultimate test of TotalEnergies’ ability to turn policy into progress. —

FAQ: TotalEnergies’ EU Public Affairs Strategy

Q: Is TotalEnergies really committed to renewables, or is it just greenwashing? A: TotalEnergies invests heavily in renewables—its Centre Manche 2 project in France is Europe’s largest offshore wind farm—but critics argue its fossil fuel expansions (e.g., Tilenga) undermine credibility. The company counters that it is transitioning, not abandoning oil and gas overnight [15]. Q: How does TotalEnergies lobby the EU? A: Through direct meetings with policymakers, industry coalitions (e.g., Hydrogen Europe), and public reports on its sustainability progress. All lobbying activities are registered in the EU Transparency Register [12]. Q: What is the biggest challenge for TotalEnergies in Brussels? A: Balancing EU climate ambitions with the need to maintain energy supply stability, especially as the bloc phases out Russian gas. The company’s LNG and hydrogen strategies are central to this equation. Q: Can TotalEnergies meet its 2030 emissions target? A: The company claims its Scope 1+2 emissions will drop 40% by 2030, but independent analysts (e.g., Carbon Tracker) argue this requires faster fossil fuel phase-out and more aggressive renewable investments [16]. —

Sources and Further Reading

For deeper insights into TotalEnergies’ EU strategy, consult:

• TotalEnergies 2026 Sustainability & Climate Progress Report
• European Commission – Energy Transition
• European Parliament – Energy Committee
• Friends of the Earth Europe – Corporate Accountability