EU draft seeks longer emissions talks mandate at COP31, Reuters reports

The European Union plans to seek a package of emissions-reduction measures at November's COP31 summit, according to a draft internal document reported by Reuters on October 12.

A central proposal is to extend the UN climate talks' mitigation work programme until 2040. The negotiating track, which examines ways to cut emissions, is due to expire this year. The draft would focus on translating existing national pledges into action.

Ireland, which holds the EU's rotating presidency, prepared the document. EU climate ministers were scheduled to discuss their summit strategy on Monday. The draft is a proposed position, rather than an agreement reached with other countries.

Irish climate minister Darragh O'Brien said the bloc would seek practical cooperation on moving away from fossil fuels and expanding electrification.

The document also rules out new climate-finance commitments at COP31, Reuters reported. That proposed stance could become a point of disagreement with poorer countries seeking additional support.

The UN climate secretariat confirms that COP31 will take place in Antalya, Türkiye, in November 2026.