The EESC at the UNFCCC COP31

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) will actively participate in the the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), to be held in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November 2026.

Türkiye will host the COP31 while Australia will lead the negotiations. Pre-COP meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu will bring the concerns of Pacific Island states, which are on the front line of the climate crisis, firmly on the agenda. 

COP31 is taking place against a backdrop of geopolitical instability, economic pressures and the devastating impacts of climate change, putting the multilateral climate system to the test. The focus now must shift from pledges to delivery under the Paris Agreement. The first Global Stocktake called for transitioning away from fossil fuels in a just, orderly and equitable manner, setting a clear direction for mitigation, adaptation and finance efforts. Building on the outcomes of COP30 in Belém, including a tripling of adaptation finance and a just transition mechanism, COP31 offers an opportunity to translate commitments into action, strengthen accountability for delivery and enhance cooperation between governments and civil society.  

The EESC's delegation and key messages

The EESC will be part of the EU delegation and will be represented by four EESC members plus the EESC Youth delegate to COP. The EESC delegation will take part in discussions and side events urging the EU, governments and the international community to raise climate ambition and translate commitments into science-based action, with organised civil society playing a key role.

In particular this year, the EESC has prepared a contribution to COP31 on  Phasing out fossil fuels for a resilient, clean and just future and an opinion on reforming climate governance, which identifies future directions for the reform of climate governance and climate litigation, with a focus on the role of civil society. 

More generally, the messages that the EESC will convey at COP31 will build on its previously adopted contribution and opinions including Climate change adaptation for resilient societies, phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, climate finance, just transition, and sustainable agri-food systems.

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