In a development that has sent shockwaves through the climate community, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has confirmed she will not attend next week’s crucial Cop29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan. The revelation, which comes amid a wave of similar announcements from other world leaders, has raised serious questions about the EU’s commitment to tackling the unfolding climate crisis.
A ‘Fatal Signal’ for EU Climate Leadership?
While the Commission maintains that von der Leyen’s absence is due to the “transition phase” as she prepares for her second term, climate advocates are sounding the alarm. Michael Bloss, a German Green MEP in the delegation to the Baku talks, pulled no punches in his assessment:
“By leaving the stage to autocrats like Aliyev, we risk turning the conference more and more into a greenwashing spectacle for self-promotion rather than genuine climate action.”
– Michael Bloss, German Green MEP
Bloss’s sentiment is echoed by many who fear that the absence of key European figures, coupled with the non-attendance of leaders from the US, China, and other major powers, sends a “fatal signal” about the international community’s willingness to confront climate change head-on.
A Vacuum in Global Climate Diplomacy
The leadership void at Cop29 couldn’t come at a worse time. With the re-election of climate skeptic Donald Trump in the US, many had hoped that Europe would step up to fill the breach. Instead, von der Leyen’s decision to prioritize internal EU matters over the global climate stage has left advocates deeply concerned.
“The climate crisis does not wait for ideal conditions to act, and neither can we. After the re-election of Trump, the EU must now take a stronger leadership role, both to sustain momentum and to counterbalance the US stance.”
– Mohammed Chahim, Dutch Socialist MEP
Calls for Renewed Commitment
As the Cop29 summit looms, environmental organizations are urging the EU not to abandon its climate leadership role. WWF climate specialist Shirley Matheson warned that Europe cannot afford to let climate action “move down on Europe’s agenda,” adding:
“We cannot afford for climate action to move down on Europe’s agenda. [Von der Leyen’s absence] raises serious questions about European and international commitment to fighting climate breakdown.”
– Shirley Matheson, WWF Climate Specialist
For its part, the European Commission insists that its commitment to climate action remains unwavering, stating: “Our leadership is demonstrated by our consistent actions domestically and internationally. We are always a leading voice for ambition at COPs and that will not change this year.”
‘Huge Cuts’ Needed as Climate Crisis Deepens
The stakes could not be higher. Last month, the head of the UN Environment Programme warned that “huge cuts” in carbon emissions were needed to steer the world off a path of catastrophic temperature rise. The upcoming G20 summit in Brazil, where leaders will discuss financing the climate transition, offers a glimmer of hope – but only if Europe steps up to the plate.
As the world holds its breath for Cop29, all eyes will be on the EU to see if it can reclaim its mantle as a global climate leader. With time running out to avert disaster, one thing is clear: empty podiums and half-measures will no longer suffice. The world needs bold action – and it needs it now.
