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EU seeks deal on emissions curbs EU seeks deal on emissions curbs
(10 minutes later)
EU environment ministers are meeting in Brussels to try to agree on cutting harmful emissions by at least 20% from 1990 levels by 2020. EU environment ministers are meeting in Brussels to try to agree on cutting greenhouse emissions by at least 20% from 1990 levels by 2020.
The proposals, outlined by the European Commission in January, are seen as a key measure to curb climate change.The proposals, outlined by the European Commission in January, are seen as a key measure to curb climate change.
In its strategic energy review, the Commission said the 20% target was a starting point, urging the world's developed nations to go up to 30%.In its strategic energy review, the Commission said the 20% target was a starting point, urging the world's developed nations to go up to 30%.
But some EU members are reportedly opposing making the targets mandatory.But some EU members are reportedly opposing making the targets mandatory.
Hungary and Poland, who joined the EU in 2004, are said to be against the cuts.Hungary and Poland, who joined the EU in 2004, are said to be against the cuts.
Finland has also reportedly voiced opposition to the Commission's targets.Finland has also reportedly voiced opposition to the Commission's targets.
On Sunday, environment ministers from the UK, Spain and Slovenia urged the 27-member block to endorse the 30% target.On Sunday, environment ministers from the UK, Spain and Slovenia urged the 27-member block to endorse the 30% target.
The window of opportunity is closing rapidly and a strong EU voice is necessary UK, Spanish and Slovenian environment ministers Q&A: EU energy proposals The window of opportunity is closing rapidly and a strong EU voice is necessary UK, Spanish and Slovenian environment ministers Q&A: EU energy proposals class="" href="/1/hi/sci/tech/6370209.stm">'Testing time' for EU policy
They said that failure to act would threaten efforts to persuade nations such as the US and China to agree to cap emissions. In an article for the BBC News website, they said that failure to act would threaten efforts to persuade nations such as the US and China to agree to cap emissions.
In January, Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas urged "the rest of the developed world to follow our lead, match our reductions and accelerate progress towards an international agreement on the global emission reductions".In January, Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas urged "the rest of the developed world to follow our lead, match our reductions and accelerate progress towards an international agreement on the global emission reductions".
However, international negotiations on the shape of the framework to replace the current Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012, have struggled to reach a consensus.However, international negotiations on the shape of the framework to replace the current Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012, have struggled to reach a consensus.
A number of nations have voiced doubts about the effectiveness of national emission limits.A number of nations have voiced doubts about the effectiveness of national emission limits.