Press Release

17/12/2008

Carbon Emissions Trading System agreed by Parliament. Avril Doyle MEP, European Parliament Rapporteur

The European Parliament today voted overwhelmingly in favour of Avril Doyle's report on the review of the Emissions Trading System, which is the cornerstone of the EU's energy and climate change package. This legislation was adopted by 610 votes in favour, 60 against and 29 abstentions.

The package was drawn up to ensure that the EU will achieve its reduction target in greenhouse gas emissions of at least 20%, a 20% improvement in energy efficiency and a 20% share for renewables in the EU by 2020.

It will be the EU's legislative contribution to the Copenhagen UN Convention on Climate Change in 12 month's time where the number one goal will be to get a global agreement on the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and limit the rise in the global temperature to 2° C.

Among the key provisions in Mrs Doyle's report is the commitment to provide 300 million allowances for the carbon capture and storage of emissions from power stations and industrial installations. This could amount to up to €9 billion.

Speaking after the vote, Avril Doyle said: "The EU is the only region in the world that currently has a functioning emissions trading system which has put a price on carbon and which is committed to a 20% unilateral reduction in our CO2 emissions. Effectively we have been the pilot project for the rest of the world, for other regions.

"It is almost a year since the Commission adopted the climate and energy package and we have come a long way in those 11 months. The French Presidency announced in July that this package would be its priority, and we have worked hard to deliver a deal together by the end of this year.

"We are now within sight of the finishing line. Exceptional circumstances called for exceptional measures. All those involved in the EU institutions have clearly understood the need for Europe to drive this process forward and deliver it in time for the 15th meeting of the United Nations Convention on Climate Change next year in Copenhagen."

For further information:
Avril Doyle MEP, +32-2-2845784
Majella O Doherty, EPP-ED Press Service, Tel: +32-475-752253

Notes to Editors:
The EPP-ED Group is the largest political group in the European Parliament with 288 Members from all 27 Member States.