The European Union has criticised Turkey over the exclusion of the Republic of Cyprus from preparatory processes linked to the UN Climate Conference (COP31), escalating diplomatic tensions ahead of the global summit scheduled for November.
According to Reuters, the issue was raised during a meeting of EU climate ministers on Thursday, where Cyprus complained that it had not been invited by Turkey to two preparatory meetings held in New York and Tokyo.
Turkey defends its position
Ankara argued that the Republic of Cyprus had been invited to all events coordinated by the United Nations within the framework of COP31, including meetings in Bonn and St Petersburg.
However, Turkish officials said events organised nationally and outside the official conference framework, such as the “Zero Waste” initiative in New York, did not include Cyprus.
A Turkish diplomatic source stated that contacts and meetings taking place ahead of COP31 form part of national initiatives for consultation and preparation. Officials also noted that the formal invitation process for the leaders’ summit has not yet begun, and no invitations have been issued to parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
EU voices support for Cyprus
The issue triggered a response from the European Commission, with EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra stating that member states agreed Turkey’s approach could not be accepted.
He stressed that all 27 European Union member states must be treated equally and said he had informed both the United Nations and Turkey’s mission to the EU that Cyprus’ exclusion was “unacceptable”.
Turkey does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus and remains the only country recognising the self-declared Turkish Cypriot administration in the island’s occupied north, an issue that remains at the centre of the dispute.
Concerns over leaders’ summit participation
Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Maria Panayiotou also expressed concern that Cyprus could face exclusion from the leaders’ segment of COP31, which Turkey will organise as the host country.
The possibility has already sparked reactions within the EU. Polish Deputy Climate Minister Krzysztof Bolesta said some member states could even consider not participating in the summit if Cyprus is treated unfairly, as a sign of solidarity.
Meanwhile, Ireland’s Climate Minister Darragh O’Brien expressed full support for Cyprus, saying the matter could potentially be resolved through dialogue with Turkey without further escalation.
COP31 will be hosted by Turkey, while Australia will oversee the official UN negotiations under an agreement reached following the countries’ joint bid for the event.
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