EEB

Press Release

MEPs divided on climate action

STATEMENT

A divided parliament delays move to 30% with report rejection

[5th July 2011, Brussels] - The European Parliament chose to reject its own initiative report on a move to 30% emission reductions in the face of severe and significant weakening by a small majority of MEPs. The Rapporteur, Bas Eickhout MEP, took the decision to lead the vote against his own report.

“It appears short-term political interest has overtaken long-term public needs when it comes to voting for 30% reductions. Sadly there are some laggards in the Parliament who still fail to recognise the clear benefits of moving to 30% and the ease of doing so,” said EEB’s Catherine Pearce.

“Let us be clear: the case for a move to 30% is stacking up. Large sections of industry, representing millions of jobs, are calling for tougher action – they see the economic advantage to be gained.”

For further information:

Catherine Pearce, Senior Policy Officer, EEB, catherine.pearce@eeb.org, + 32 2 289 13 02.