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THE European Union Environment Council has agreed several targets for the EU’s climate change strategy.

The council met in Stockholm earlier this week to debate the EU’s negotiating position for the upcoming UN discussions on 7–18 December. The Kyoto treaty expires in 2012 and global leaders will meet in Copenhagen to decide on its replacement. The EU hopes to play a leading role at Copenhagen.

Emissions from shipping and aviation are not currently covered by the Kyoto agreement, but the Council will push for cuts in aviation of 10% on 2005 levels by 2020, and 20% in maritime emissions. (same as before? 2005 levels by 2020?).

Ministers agreed that greenhouse gas emissions must be cut by 80–90% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels, if global temperature rises are to be kept below 2°C, which they say should be the internationally-accepted benchmark. They also called for clarification on the EU’s plans to prevent deforestation and on surplus emission allowances. The council encouraged member states to adopt a low-carbon, sustainable, resource-efficient economy, and look at introducing green taxes.

European Commissioner for the environment Stavros Dimas acknowledged the “formidable political challenge” of reaching international agreement but said he was pleased with progress. “It is imperative to step up the speed of exchanges at the political level,” he said, adding that it is vital for the EU to take a leadership role.

The conclusions of the Environment Council will go before the full European Council in Brussels on 29–30 October.

Friends of the Earth says the agreements do not go far enough. Senior international climate negotiator Asad Rehman comments: “The EU is failing to show the bold international leadership that is crucial to secure the strong and fair agreement we need to tackle climate change effectively.”