The European Union and Greece have condemned Turkey’s decision to exclude Cyprus from the international climate conference COP31, which will take place in Antalya, Turkey, in November 2026.
Taking part in the meeting of the European Union’s Environment Ministers’ Council in Luxembourg, Greek Environmane & Energy Minister Stavros Papastavou told reporters:
“Today, at the Environment Ministers’ Council in Luxembourg, we are discussing how to address the challenges of the climate crisis, strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, and prepare for the international climate conference, COP31, which will take place in Antalya, Turkiye.
“Greece fully supports the statement made by the European Commissioner for Climate Action, Wopke Hoekstra, condemning Turkiye’s attempt to exclude the Republic of Cyprus from the informal preparatory processes of COP. The participation of all 27 Member States is both self-evident and non-negotiable. Either all 27 participate, or none.”
The Greek Minister added that the issue of water resilience will also be discussed at the EU Council meeting.
