Some energy-thirsty industries like steel, aluminum and refineries are unhappy with the proposed European mechanism, under which pollution permits can be traded. They hope to maintain their rights to emit a certain amount of greenhouse gas without having to pay for that, but it is contrary to the wishes of the European Commission.
Environmentalists, on the other hand, raised questions about the dubious impact of increasing biofuel consumption, saying this could cause more damages to tropical rainforests.
In recent years, more and more countries began to subsidize biofuel production and consumption, contributing to scarcity of food supply in the world. But environmental group Green peace described the EU's goal for biofuels as "a mistake".
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso admitted "turning Europe into a low-carbon economy is not an easy task."
Barroso said the emissions package cost would amount to 0.5 percent of the EU's GDP by 2020, which corresponds to per capita cost of three euros each week.
Despite doubts and objections, the EU seems adamant to move ahead with its ambitious plan to curb emissions.
The EU leaders recognize that by developing new energy-saving technologies and making the industries "greener", the bloc will find a better way to safeguard energy security and become more competitive globally in the long run.
Barroso said EU states should look at what they are going to get instead of what they are going to lose, expressing hope that EU members will agree on their national emissions target by the year-end, so that the plan can be put into force in 2009.
By getting the ball rolling within the bloc, the EU will assume a stronger position in negotiations with other countries over the formulation of a post-Kyoto global mechanism to tackle climate change.
(Xinhua News Agency March 13, 2008)
