European Council delivers on three fronts (West Suffolk Liberal Democrats)

West Suffolk Liberal Democrats <elleminshall@aol.com>

European Council delivers on three fronts

December 12, 2008 2:00 PM
Originally published by Andrew Duff MEP

European Liberals and Democrats welcome the outcome of this week's European summit which was vital for reviving the reform of Europe's institutions, providing a much needed economic stimulus to the economy and agreeing a complex set of energy/climate change measures to confirm Europe's leadership in tackling global warming.

Graham Watson, Leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament commented:

"All's well that ends well. My colleagues and I would have liked to see a more ambitious approach to tackling global warming but we must recognise, particularly in an economic recession, that half a loaf is better than no bread. This deal nonetheless allows Europe to approach next December's Copenhagen Conference with its head held high. With the good will of the incoming US Administration we can yet tackle the greatest challenge of our times."

The European Council's backing for proposals from the European Parliament to use 'surplus' emissions trading allowances to support carbon capture and storage demonstration projects has been warmly welcomed by the Liberal Democrat group spokesperson on the environment and rapporteur on CCS, Chris Davies (Lib Dem, UK):

Davies, who introduced the idea and has negotiated the CCS legislation, described the number allocated as "the bare minimum," but said that it would enable work to proceed with a range of demonstration projects. "CCS is absolutely vital if we are to abate the enormous volumes of CO2 emitted by coal power plants." The allocation agreed today (300 million tonnes of carbon allowances) could provide support funding of €6-7 billion.

"At their climate change summit in March 2007 the same European leaders pledged to have 10-12 CCS demonstration plants in operation by 2015. What's been agreed today won't deliver entirely on that promise but it's a very good step in the right direction."

On the agreement to concede to Ireland's concern over the loss of a commissioner in an effort to facilitate completion of the ratification process of the Treaty of Lisbon, Graham Watson also recalled the remark of Henri IV who converted to catholicism in order to become King of France: "If Paris was worth a mass, Dublin is worth a commissioner."

Andrew Duff, ALDE constitutional affairs spokesperson added:

"Parliament will need to examine closely all the implications of the decision of the European Council with respect to its own composition and to that of the Commission. It does seem strange, on the face of it, that as part of our fight against bureaucracy we keep adding Commissioners. One has to wonder what they will all find to do. But the momentum is back behind the Treaty of Lisbon again, and that is good news for those who want Europe to be strong and democratic."