Hoekstra condemns Azerbaijan's allegations of Dutch "neocolonialism"
European Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra has denounced accusations of "neocolonialism" made by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev against the Netherlands and France during the COP29 climate summit in Baku. Hoekstra called the remarks "unfortunate" and "unhelpful" during an interview Sunday.
Aliyev’s comments, delivered at the opening of the summit on Wednesday, criticized the two European nations for maintaining overseas territories, describing their actions as “brutal oppression” and “neocolonial.” The remarks prompted sharp responses from the EU representatives and caused disruptions to the summit.
In response to Aliyev’s speech, French Climate Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher announced her withdrawal from the summit, stating she would not attend following the "unfounded accusations." Dutch Foreign Minister Liesje Schreinemacher also condemned the statements, rejecting them as baseless.
In response to Aliyev’s speech, French Climate Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher announced her withdrawal from the summit, stating she would not attend following the "unfounded accusations." Dutch Foreign Minister Liesje Schreinemacher also condemned the statements, rejecting them as baseless.
State Secretary Chris Jansen of Public Transport and Environment has canceled his planned attendance at the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan. Jansen, who was scheduled to depart Tuesday, cited outstanding policy work as the reason for his decision.
Jansen recently recovered from an illness and returned to work this week. “Several policy matters that were delayed last week now require my attention,” Jansen stated. As a result, he will remain in the Netherlands to address these issues.
The Dutch government will still be represented at the summit. The Minister for Climate and Green Growth will attend on behalf of the cabinet, along with the State Secretary of Health, Welfare, and Sport.
Afke van Rijn, Director-General for Environment and International Affairs at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, will take over a significant portion of Jansen's program at COP29.
Hoekstra urges focus on climate goals
Hoekstra confirmed that he had personally conveyed his disapproval to Azerbaijani Climate Negotiator Vagif Babayev. “There are longstanding bilateral disputes, particularly between Baku and Paris,” Hoekstra said. “But what the COP president should do is set those disagreements aside and focus on discussions about combating climate change.”
Aliyev’s use of the summit, particularly during sessions addressing the challenges faced by small island states, to criticize European nations was counterproductive, Hoekstra said. “The accusations of neocolonialism directed at the Netherlands and France are entirely inappropriate and do nothing to support progress.”
Ongoing tensions between Baku and Paris
Aliyev’s comments are part of a broader pattern of tension between Azerbaijan and France. The Azerbaijani president referenced earlier unrest this year in New Caledonia, a French overseas territory. He blamed the violence on France, while French officials have accused Azerbaijan of interfering and inciting unrest in the Pacific territory.
Although Aliyev has not previously targeted Dutch overseas territories, his criticisms of France at the summit underscored lingering geopolitical rifts.
EU also targeted
Aliyev’s speech also took aim at broader European institutions. He described the European Parliament and the Council of Europe as "symbols of political corruption," alleging they bear partial responsibility for violence and loss of life in international conflicts.
While the European Commission itself was not directly mentioned, Hoekstra, who represents the EU at the climate summit, strongly opposed the comments.
Despite France’s withdrawal from the summit, Hoekstra confirmed he would return to Baku on Sunday to continue climate negotiations. The Dutch commissioner stated his commitment to maintaining EU representation at the summit despite ongoing tensions.
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