COP31 climate summit opens in Antalya as Eastern European nations prep for winter

Nearly 200 nations have convened in Antalya for the COP31 climate summit, where host Turkey and Australia proposed targeting a 35 percent share for electricity in global energy consumption by 2035. The initiative seeks to reduce fossil fuel dependence amid Middle Eastern conflicts. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz skipped the summit, staying in Munich to confront rising domestic antisemitism, calling the situation a "historic test" for Germany.

In Eastern Europe, governments are fortifying energy security for winter. Moldova passed legislation allowing local authorities, businesses, and residents to establish cooperative energy communities for shared renewable generation and storage. Meanwhile, Romanian Energy Minister Dumitru Chisăliță announced upcoming financial aid schemes to assist vulnerable households and enterprises facing elevated energy expenses over the cold season.

Sources: Digi24, Economedia, HotNews, Moldova1, Ziarul de Gardă