EU divided on mandatory target for renewable energy

Source: CCTV.com | 03-07-2007 17:07

The European Union is gearing up for a summit that could see the bloc take concrete steps to tackle global warming.

EU leaders will meet later this week for a summit that will determine whether or not Europe can lead the way in environmental protection. Some hope for a new pact to cut greenhouse gas emissions that experts blame for global warming. One item on the pact will commit members to cut emissions by 20 percent by 2020, compared to 1990 levels, and 30 percent, if joined by other developed countries. But within the bloc, there's division over whether targets should be made binding or non-binding.

Jose Manuel Barroso, European commission president, said, "Now, not yet everybody agrees that it should be binding, and I say it should be binding. Why? First of all a question of credibility. It is much more credible if you have a binding target than if you have an indicative target."

And Barroso is backed by other key members such as Germany and Britain who say voluntary goals do not work. And the matter may go beyond just credibility. For Barroso, a binding target makes good economic sense because it reassures businesses planning long-term investments.

But division also threatens another target. This one commits EU members to use at least 20 percent of renewable resources, such as wind and solar energy, in their overall mix by 2020. But France, which draws heavily on nuclear power, is proposing that nuclear energy be counted as part of the 20 percent. Other countries, such as Germany and Austria, reject this, saying the EU should not be seen as promoting nuclear power.

The EU Commission President says he takes no sides on the issue. But it's quibbling over details like these that could block the EU's ambitions to make a real difference in the battle to save the planet.

Editor:Du Xiaodan