MEPs overwhelmingly in favour of adopting Kyoto protocol

In a debate on 5 February, the MEPs insisted that the agreement on the allocation of greenhouse gas reduction targets for each individual Member State should be fully adhered to. Parliament also called for Commission proposals for tougher reduction targets to be issued under the co-decision procedure, so that MEPs can be involved fully.

The House also approved the Council decision on the Protocol’s conclusion well ahead of the March Environment Council meeting in order to ensure that Europe retains its leading international role in pushing for speedy ratification. However, there were concerns among MEPs across the House that some member states might have cold feet about reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, and stated that the Council should ensure that there are no attempts to renege on emission reduction commitments.