Thursday 3 May 2012

European Commission publishes guidelines for emissions review

The European Commission has published guidelines for a review of EU Member States' greenhouse gas emissions. The review, which should be completed by August 2012, will help the Commission set national limits for 2013-20 on emissions not covered by the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).

The guidelines were prepared for the Commission by the European Environment Agency (EEA) in consultation with Member States in the EU Climate Change Committee.

Member States have annual binding emission limits set in line with the reduction path they must report to the Commission each year. The Commission hope this will ensure a gradual move towards the 2020 targets in sectors where changes take more time such as buildings, infrastructure and transport.