By Bruno Waterfield - 16th February 2005
Europe’s capitals are set for a fight over post-Kyoto climate change targets at meeting of EU environment ministers in three weeks.
National governments will begin horse-trading over targets to reduce CO2 emissions after 2012 – measures with a direct bearing on efforts to boost Europe’s economic growth.
A Brussels gathering of Europe’s environment ministers on March 10 will kick off talks over proposals to be discussed at a March 22 summit of Europe’s leaders.
Luxembourg, currently holding the EU’s rotating presidency, is expecting “broad debate”.
Speaking on the day that existing Kyoto climate change agreements enter into force, Luxembourg’s environment minister Lucien Lux predicted differences ahead.
“I am sure there will be discussion on strategy between countries who want to move more quickly and to take things further and others, perhaps, who might find themselves saying it could be something they could afford to wait for,” he said on Wednesday.
“So when it comes to reductions there are a number of possibilities and we are currently trying to provide conclusions for the council meeting on March 10.”
EU officials believe discussions will be a key indicator of Europe's future commitment to take a lead in reducing CO2 emissions.
The US, China and India are outside existing Kyoto agreements and represent tough economic competitors for the EU economy.
And some national capitals are already concerned that EU targets could hit, or limit European growth.
"March 10 will be an acid test. We will see if talk is so much hot air," said one official.
Discussions come against a backdrop of existing EU CO2 allocations and a Europe-wide trading scheme in emissions allowances are on track to make 2012 targets.
But, despite general optimism, European Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas acknowledged that some countries were lagging behind on current commitments.
“I think that the EU, as a whole, is on the path to meet the 2012 targets. That means an eight per cent reduction vis a vis the 1990 levels,” he said.
“Certain member countries are doing better than others. Certain have accepted their individual target… certain others... well we hope with the functioning of the emissions trading system all countries will be online.”
Brussels is heading for a major fight with the UK over existing CO2 allowances in the period up to 2012 – a situation that may not augur well for efforts to set tougher targets for the future.
London has asked the European Commission to increase carbon dioxide allocations by 2.7 per cent above a plan previously set by the EU executive.
Dimas is warning Britain that targets are set in stone – and that deviation by the UK could lead to proceedings in the EU courts.
“The commission will not be able to change the total allowances allocated according to its decision in July. We have a decision last July and this is the total amount allocated to Britain,” he said.
Have your say...
Please enter your comments below.