Commission right to bring 30% emissions cut one big step closer - Hall

12.00.00am GMT Wed 10th Mar 2010

Fiona Hall MEP (North East of England) has welcomed the shift announced yesterday by the European Commission on the requirements necessary for the EU to increase its 2020 carbon emissions reduction goals from 20 to 30%.

The Commission's new document International climate policy post-Copenhagen has replaced the EU's commitment to cut emissions by 30% in the event of an international agreement being reached, with a proposal that this should happen "if the conditions are right".

Replying to a question from UK Lib Dem MEP Chris Davies, European Commissioner for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard confirmed that this is a substantive change on the part of the Commission.

After the debate, Fiona Hall said:

"This is excellent news for North East England and the development of new green jobs.

"The failure at Copenhagen to secure an international agreement meant that the EU's requirement for revising its target might not be met.

"The Commission has today changed the rules and they are right to do so for two reasons.

"First, to develop a green economy with new jobs we need to take action now. This is especially important for us in the North East. We cannot afford for the lead on new green technologies to go to other parts of the world such as China.

"Second, due to the recession, a 30% cut in carbon emissions now costs the same as a 20% cut before the downturn.

"The Commission's change of position is therefore very welcome"