Berlin: European Commissioner for Climate, Wopke Hoekstra, emphasized the necessity of ensuring the full, unhindered, and equal participation of all UN member states in the upcoming COP31 Climate Change Conference. This statement specifically highlighted the inclusion of the Republic of Cyprus during a meeting held on the sidelines of the Petersberg Climate Dialogue 2026 in Berlin.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the meeting, which took place on April 21-22, also saw the participation of the Cypriot Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, Maria Panayiotou. Cyprus is currently chairing the Council of the EU. Hoekstra pointed out that any deviation from the principle of inclusive participation could undermine the cohesion of the European Union. German Federal Minister of Environment, Carsten Schneider, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of a smooth and inclusive process for all parties involved.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment noted that these discussions align with the Republic of Cyprus's position, especially in light of the upcoming COP31 conference set to be hosted in Antalya, Turkey, in November 2026. The Ministry highlighted incidents during preparatory meetings in New York and Tokyo, where Turkey's refusal to include Cyprus in the conference discussions was noted.
Minister Panayiotou expressed gratitude to the participants for their support of Cyprus's stance and urged the Australian Presidency to ensure Cyprus's representation at the highest level. She specifically called for an invitation to be extended to the President of Cyprus to attend the COP31 event in Antalya.
Representing the EU, Minister Panayiotou underscored the importance of close cooperation with the COP31 Presidency and the high level of EU involvement in preparatory activities. She stressed that COP31 should prioritize the implementation of agreed measures, reinforcing the credibility of the Paris Agreement and aiming for tangible, measurable, and actionable outcomes.