Several of Europe's most powerful leaders are absent from the COP31 leaders' summit in Antalya, Turkey, which opened on Wednesday 11 November, leaving European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to present the EU's case alone at the top table. Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz, France's President Emmanuel Macron, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez are all missing the two-day summit, along with the leaders of Denmark, Ireland and the Netherlands, according to [Cyprus News](https://cyprusnews.app/more-than-just-a-photo-opportunity-why-are-key-eu-leaders-skipping-the-cop31-leaders-summit/). Chiara Martinelli, director of Climate Action Network Europe, said the missing leaders were "missing more than just a photo opportunity", warning that their absence puts more responsibility on ministers and negotiators to show Europe is serious about delivery. The leaders have not given reasons for staying away. ## Nine EU states off track on emissions targets The summit opened with awkward timing for Brussels. A Commission assessment found nine member states off track: Italy, Croatia and Cyprus have already exceeded their 2021-2025 targets, while Austria, Germany, Ireland, Lithuania, Malta and Sweden risk missing their 2030 targets. Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra will ask all nine for corrective plans within three months. Overall, the EU's net greenhouse gas emissions fell by 1.6% last year and now stand 39% below 1990 levels. The bloc aims to cut emissions by 90% by 2040 and reach net zero by 2050. ## Von der Leyen speaks as US stays away Von der Leyen is due to address the summit on Wednesday, alongside Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, China's Vice-President Han Zheng and Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine, [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/cop/world-leaders-address-cop31-turkey-pushes-new-climate-deal-2026-11-11/) reported. The United States has stayed away for a second year after President Donald Trump withdrew from climate cooperation, although 19 members of Congress decided at the last minute to attend.