Climate summit on course, says PM

Friday 12 December 2008

Prime minister Jan Peter Balkenende said on Thursday he was convinced the EU’s climate targets would remain unchanged at this weekend’s summit, reports the Financieele Dagblad.

‘It is necessary that we book results today,’ the prime minister said, shortly before the start of the 27-nation gathering.

EU leaders are attempting to agree on how to cut carbon emissions by 20% by 2020, compared with 1990 levels, and raise renewable sources to 20% of total energy use.

They have also agreed in principle on a €200bn package to stimulate the European economy.

Balkenende said countries would remain tied to EU budget rules, which say the budget deficit may reach a maximum of 3% of GDP. Countries which break that barrier will have to explain how they are going to cut spending, the PM said.

For the BBC report on the summit, click here

© DutchNews.nl

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