EU insists its support for Kyoto policy unwavering

[papau]

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3729736/ EU insists its support for Kyoto policy unwavering

Updated: 1:53 p.m. ET Dec. 16, 2003
December 16, 2003 - European Commission President Romano Prodi insisted the European Union's support for the Kyoto Protocol was unwavering Tuesday, after a commissioner said the EU must prepare for the possible failure of the global warming treaty.

Prodi's colleague, Energy Commissioner Loyola de Palacio, called into question the EU executive's staunch support for the landmark treaty Monday due to Russian hesitation over implementing the accord. "We are not changing our position or going back on the targets that we have agreed," Prodi said in a statement.

If Russia fails to ratify the accord, which is aimed at cutting pollution and curbing greenhouse gas emissions, the treaty would not come into force in 2008 as planned.<snip>

The EU has drawn up legislation to help member states meet emissions targets under the pact and has created the world's first emissions trading scheme, a centerpiece of its efforts.<snip>