The new annual report on the EU's greenhouse gas emissions published on 22 June by the European Environment Agency showed an increase of 0.4%, following an increase by 1.5% in the previous year.
The largest increases were in Spain and Italy. Germany, Denmark and Finland, on the other hand, reduced their emissions. Compared to the Kyoto base year (1990), the EU has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions only by 0.9%. It has committed itself to reduce its emissions by 8% compared to 1990.
Road transport was the main culprit of the increased emissions, but manufacturing of iron and steel also added to the increase.
"Despite the various policy initiatives, this report highlights that the trend is still going in the wrong direction. Europe must implement all planned policies and measures relating to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The forthcoming National Allocation Plans for 2008-2012 under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme must also be ambitious in the context of national commitments to reduce emissions," said Professor Jacqueline McGlade, executive director of the EEA.
Member States have to submit new National Allocation Plans before 30 June.
Friends of the Earth Europe said the EU is "shamefully off-course to meet its international Kyoto Protocol obligations". Jan Kowalzig, climate campaigner of the organisation said: "As these new figures embarrassingly show, our European leaders still haven't woken up to the climate crisis. Europe's governments make grand statements about their commitment to reduce greenhouse gas pollution, yet economy and industry Ministers continue to block or water down policy measures to switch to renewable energies, reduce energy waste or introduce fuel consumption standards for cars".
