Ursula von der Leyen Skips COP29 Summit

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will not attend the COP29 climate summit due to significant political developments in Brussels, where EU lawmakers are vetting members of her new Commission. This transition phase has led her to prioritize institutional duties, with the new Commission not expected to be in place until December. Critics argue that her absence undermines her leadership in the fight against climate change and diminishes the EU's standing in international climate discussions. European Council President Charles Michel will represent the EU at the summit, alongside Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra and a team of negotiators from nearly 200 countries. COP29 is scheduled to take place from November 11 to 22 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Von der Leyen's decision comes amidst heightened scrutiny regarding global climate action commitments.