Key facts
- The EU has criticized Turkey for excluding Cyprus from preparations for the COP31 climate summit.
- Turkey, as the host of COP31, has not invited Cyprus to preparatory meetings.
- EU Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra stated the exclusion of Cyprus is unacceptable and pledged full EU solidarity.
- Some EU member states are considering boycotting the summit if Cyprus is treated unfairly.
- Ireland's climate minister suggested dialogue as a potential resolution.
The European Union has formally rebuked Turkey for excluding Cyprus from preparatory events for the upcoming U.N. climate summit, COP31, which Turkey is scheduled to host in November. The dispute arose when Cyprus reported not being invited to two preparatory meetings, a claim confirmed by Turkish officials.
EU climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra declared the exclusion "unacceptable" and pledged "full solidarity" from all 27 EU member states, emphasizing that all members must be treated equally. This diplomatic tension raises concerns about potential boycotts of the summit by some EU countries if Cyprus continues to be treated unfairly, as suggested by Poland's deputy climate minister. Cyprus is also worried about being excluded from events involving world leaders, which Turkey, as the host, would organize.
Ireland's climate minister, Darragh O'Brien, indicated that the situation could be resolved through dialogue with Turkey, aiming to prevent escalation. Turkey's stance stems from its non-recognition of the Greek Cypriot government, recognizing only the breakaway Turkish Cypriot administration in the north of the island.