MEPs gave a general welcome to the agreement reached last month at Kyoto on gas emissions, as a major step forward in tackling a significant problem. A number also called on the EU to stick to the 15 per cent target for reductions by 2010 that had been drawn up before the conference. There was concern, however, that the ratification process might take a long time, particularly in the US Congress.
Commissioner Bjerregaard argued that the agreement was a credit to the EU. The Union had pushed for the most ambitious targets on emission reductions. Anita Pollack (UK, PES) among others, welcomed a "realistic agreement" which was "an important first step on a long and rocky road".
Earlier in the week Parliament approved a piece of legislation designed to reduce pollution from heavy machinery, a move which Environment Committee chairman Ken Collins said would enable European companies to take the lead in designing cleaner engines.