This decision by von der Leyen comes against a backdrop of minor “attacks” on Azerbaijan, ranging from familiar complaints about “human rights violations” to expressions of outrage about “holding a climate summit in an oil-producing country.” Formally, the Commission’s president has not voiced support for such criticisms. However, given the current context, even media analysts can’t help but draw parallels. This decision is a direct political responsibility of the EU leadership, which should be aware of the impact and “aftertaste” von der Leyen’s absence from Baku will leave. Furthermore, serious politicians should establish their stance at the time of the decision to hold COP29 in Baku, rather than attempting to make a statement just days before the event opens.
Another factor, perhaps even the most important, is that only figures like Greta Thunberg can afford to stage such theatrical protests right before a major forum. Politicians at the level of the European Commission president should understand a simple truth: once the decision to hold COP29 in Baku is made, any further refusal to participate is no longer about Azerbaijan, but about their stance on the climate agenda itself.
Let’s also remember that EU countries make up one of the most industrialized regions in the world, a fact rooted in history. It’s no surprise, then, that a significant portion of human impact on the climate comes from the EU. In 2021 alone, the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions reached nearly three billion tons! And that’s not counting other forms of environmental pollution. Although the EU often speaks about its “green agenda,” and showcases emission reduction figures (which, in the context of their overall volume, are barely noticeable), the reality is that European industry remains one of the world’s largest polluters due to its sheer scale. Additionally, Europe has a huge scientific and technological potential. In today’s climate crisis, the world reasonably expects Europe to lead the way in providing scientific and technological support for green technologies.
But what do we see in practice? Mrs. von der Leyen declines to attend a climate summit. It’s not about where it’s held; it’s about what will be discussed there. Essentially, the EU is lowering its level of participation in climate discussions, which, given its role in the climate issue, at the very least requires an explanation. Put plainly, this is an open flight from responsibility.
Finally, there’s another, more human aspect. The decision of Mrs. von der Leyen not to attend COP29 was announced in the immediate aftermath of the catastrophic floods in Valencia, Spain, where the death toll has exceeded 200. The material damage is yet to be calculated. And you don’t need to be a climatologist to understand just how closely this catastrophe is related to climate change.
But, as practice shows, Ursula von der Leyen has deemed climate change issues not important enough to spend her valuable time discussing them.
Nurani
Translated from Minval.az
