EU expresses concern over Turkey's exclusion of Cyprus from COP31 meeting

On March 27, 2026, the Republic of Cyprus was excluded from a COP31 climate change preparatory meeting held at UN headquarters, which was chaired by Turkish Minister of Environment and Urbanization Murat Kurum. The European Union formally condemned the exclusion during a subsequent UN meeting dedicated to the International Day of Zero Waste. The EU expressed serious concern, stating that all UN member states are entitled to equal participation based on the principle of sovereign equality. Turkey defended its decision by citing its long-standing policy of non-recognition of the Republic of Cyprus. A Turkish representative argued that the meeting was not held under a specific UN mandate, granting the organizer discretion over invitation lists. This event highlights ongoing diplomatic tensions regarding international representation and the status of the Republic of Cyprus. The incident remains a point of contention between EU representatives and Turkish officials.