A number of significant decisions in the field of climate change was taken at the end of the European Union (EU) summit, held in Brussels, March 8-9, 2007. In particular, EU countries agreed upon a joint greenhouse gases reduction target of 20% below 1990 level by 2020.

EU Member States underlined the importance of achieving the strategic objective of limiting the global average temperature increase to not more than 2 °С above pre-industrial levels. In this regard, EU called upon developed countries to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases in the order of 30% by 2020 compared to 1990, and by 60% to 80% by 2050. Provided that developed countries commit themselves to adequate emissions reductions, EU would reconsider its objective and set it at a rate of 30% below 1990 by 2020.

Developing countries, whose share in greenhouse gases emissions is growing up steadily, should reduce the emission intensity of their economic development, in line with the general principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, set by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and respective capabilities of each country.

Given that energy production and use are the major source of greenhouse gas emissions, EU Member States agreed on an integrated approach to climate and energy policy. Considering the above-mentioned, EU adopted the Action Plan (2007-2009) aimed at elaboration and implementation of the Energy Policy for Europe (EPE). This document sets three key objectives:
1. increasing security of supply;
2. ensuing the competitiveness of European economies and the availability of affordable energy;
3. promoting environmental sustainability and combating climate change.

Under this document EU, being “aware of the growing demand for energy and increasing energy prices as well as of the benefits of strong and early common international action on climate change, is confident that a substantive development of energy efficiency and of renewable energies will enhance energy security, curb the projected rise in energy prices and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the EU ambitions for the period beyond 2012”.

As a result of a heated dispute EU Member States agreed upon introduction of ambitious targets to rise energy efficiency by 20%, increase the share of renewable energy sources by 20% and biofuels by 10% by 2020. The importance of a differentiated approach towards adoption of the quantified commitments by the Member States, according to their national circumstances, starting points and potentials, is also mentioned in the document.

According to Angela Merkel, Federal Chancellor of Germany, the EU measures aimed at tackling climate change should promote other countries, primarily USA, China and India, to take the necessary steps. /Deutsche Welle/ Moreover, the conclusions of the summit will be presented to the G8 countries leaders within the framework of the G8 Summit in Heiligendamm in June 2007.

Julia Dobrolyubova
Expert on Climate Change and Kyoto Protocol