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, consisting of 450 NGOs, reveals that European governments brought over 100 fossil fuel industry representatives to COP29 in Baku, sparking concerns over potential conflicts of interest during crucial climate negotiations. According to the report, 1,773 lobbyists attended the UN climate conference, with 113 accompanying European national delegations. This is raising alarm about the undue influence of the fossil fuel sector on the outcome of climate talks.

The Presence of Fossil Fuel Lobbyists at COP29
Among the countries sending the most lobbyists are Greece (24), Italy (22), and Sweden (17). These nations are major players in the European gas sector, particularly in the southern gas corridor that transports natural gas from Azerbaijan to Europe. Greece and Italy, in particular, are heavily invested in securing additional gas from Azerbaijan, a region already central to their energy strategies. The lobbyists’ presence at COP29 is seen as an attempt to secure favorable energy policies and trade agreements, despite Europe’s stated climate commitments.

Fossil Fuel Deals and Growing Industry Influence
The report also highlights trade deals being negotiated at COP29, including an agreement between Italgas and SOCAR, Azerbaijan’s state-owned energy company. Critics argue that such deals undermine Europe’s climate targets by prolonging dependence on fossil fuels. In particular, the involvement of companies like Chevron, BP, Shell, and TotalEnergies underscores the influence that the fossil fuel industry continues to wield over the climate agenda. The coalition of NGOs warns that these agreements risk sidelining the urgent need for clean energy transitions and deeper cuts to emissions.

Fossil Fuel Lobbyists Outnumber Climate Vulnerable Nations
The report notes that the number of fossil fuel lobbyists at COP29 outnumbers the combined delegations from the 10 most climate-vulnerable nations. This stark imbalance raises questions about whose interests are being prioritized at a time when global climate action is more urgent than ever. With fossil fuel companies continuing to exert significant pressure on policy-making, NGOs are sounding the alarm that climate progress could be compromised.

European Commission Shifts Approach
In contrast to the heavy involvement of national governments, the European Commission did not include fossil fuel lobbyists in its delegation this year. This shift follows increased pressure from civil society organizations, which have been calling for greater transparency and accountability in climate negotiations. European Commissioner for Climate Action Wopke Hoekstra has promised to combat conflicts of interest, and civil society groups are hopeful that this commitment will be upheld.