EU Environment Ministers meeting in Brussels on 20 February adopted conclusions on the EU’s objectives for the future of international climate change action. These stress the urgent need for a global agreement on emission reductions, so as to avoid any gap when the Kyoto Protocol targets expire in 2012.

To build an effective and appropriate framework beyond 2012, this agreement should set the desired objectives for emission reductions by 2020. EU Environment Ministers agreed at the meeting to commit themselves to reduce greenhouse gas emissions collectively with other developed countries by 30% by 2020, compared to 1990 levels. Even if the international community does not agree to this target, the Council underlined that the EU will be making a strong, independent commitment to achieve a reduction of at least 20% of greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.

“The EU has taken an historic decision, showing the leadership of Europe in the theme of climate change”, German Environment Minister and Council President Sigmar Gabriel declared.

As far as the countries which did not sign the Kyoto Protocol are concerned, the Council suggested that their contribution could come in the form of sustainable development policies, non-binding targets and sectional approaches.