Fossil Fuel Lobbyists at COP29 Raise Concerns Over European Climate Commitments

Lobbyists Accompany European Delegations, Sparking Criticism of Conflict of Interest

A new report by the Kick Big Polluters Out coalition, which includes 450 NGOs, reveals that European governments brought over 100 fossil fuel industry representatives to COP29 in Baku. This has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest during critical climate negotiations.

According to the report, 1,773 lobbyists attended the UN climate conference, with 113 fossil fuel representatives accompanying European national delegations. This presence has triggered alarm over the influence of the fossil fuel sector on climate policy outcomes.

The Presence of Fossil Fuel Lobbyists at COP29

Among the European nations with the highest number of lobbyists were:

• Greece: 24 lobbyists

• Italy: 22 lobbyists

• Sweden: 17 lobbyists

These countries play a significant role in Europe’s gas sector, particularly in the Southern Gas Corridor, which transports natural gas from Azerbaijan to Europe. Greece and Italy have heavily invested in securing additional gas supplies from Azerbaijan. The presence of fossil fuel lobbyists at COP29 is widely seen as an effort to shape energy policies and secure favorable trade agreements, despite Europe’s stated climate goals.

Fossil Fuel Deals and Growing Industry Influence

The report highlights ongoing trade deals negotiated at COP29, including an agreement between Italgas and SOCAR, Azerbaijan’s state-owned energy company. Critics argue that such deals prolong dependence on fossil fuels, directly contradicting Europe’s climate targets.

Major oil and gas companies such as Chevron, BP, Shell, and TotalEnergies continue to influence global climate negotiations. The coalition of NGOs warns that these agreements risk stalling clean energy transitions and delaying essential emissions reductions.

Fossil Fuel Lobbyists Outnumber Climate-Vulnerable Nations

The report reveals a stark imbalance: the number of fossil fuel lobbyists at COP29 exceeds the combined delegations from the 10 most climate-vulnerable nations. This disparity raises concerns about whose interests are being prioritized at a time when global climate action is critical.

With fossil fuel companies exerting significant influence over policy decisions, NGOs warn that climate commitments could be weakened. The continued presence of lobbyists raises doubts about whether governments are prioritizing climate justice or industry interests.

European Commission Shifts Approach

Unlike national governments, the European Commission excluded fossil fuel lobbyists from its delegation at COP29. This move follows growing pressure from civil society organizations, which have long demanded greater transparency in climate negotiations.

European Commissioner for Climate Action Wopke Hoekstra has vowed to combat conflicts of interest, reinforcing calls for accountability in global climate talks. Environmental groups remain hopeful that this shift will lead to stronger climate action in future negotiations.