Fossil fuel lobbyists to attend COP31

Fossil fuel lobbyists are expected to attend the COP31 climate talks, which will be held in Antalya, Turkey, from November 9 to 20. This event is part of the annual United Nations climate change conferences aimed at addressing global warming and its impacts.

Report highlights fossil fuel industry presence

A report from the non-governmental organization Corporate Europe Observatory, published on November 2, revealed that between 2023 and 2025, the European Commission and member states included 332 representatives from the fossil fuel industry in their official delegations to the COP28 to COP30 climate negotiations.

Some lobbyists signed new gas contracts

During the COP29 event, some of these fossil fuel representatives signed new gas contracts, signaling continued investment in fossil fuels despite global efforts to transition to renewable energy sources.

France ranks third in inviting lobbyists

France brought 47 fossil fuel lobbyists to the COP28 to COP30 events, placing it third behind Belgium (48) and Italy (55) in the number of lobbyists invited by European Union member states.

France invited TotalEnergies CEO twice

Paris invited Patrick Pouyanné, the CEO of TotalEnergies, twice in its delegation. TotalEnergies, a major French energy company, recorded net profits of 7.4 billion euros in the third quarter of 2026 and plans to increase its oil and gas production by 2035.

NGO calls for exclusion of lobbyists at COP31

Corporate Europe Observatory has urged member states to stop inviting fossil fuel lobbyists during the COP31 climate talks, arguing that their presence may undermine the goals of the conference and the global fight against climate change.