9 March 2007
European leaders have agreed to binding targets on the use of renewable energy, such as wind and solar power.
The deal, reached at the European Council in Brussels, is aimed at tackling climate change. At least 20 per cent of all Europe’s energy needs must be from renewable sources by the year 2020.
Nations have also agreed to cut harmful carbon dioxide emissions by 20 per cent, from 1990 levels, by the same year.
Tony Blair, speaking after talks had finished, said these were "groundbreaking, bold, ambitious targets" and a "major step forward" for the EU. He said the EU’s 27 member states had also agreed to a target on the use of bio fuels.
The G8 summit later this year, chaired by the German Presidency, would be an opportunity to create a worldwide framework to deal with global warming, he added.
The PM had said when he arrived in Brussels that leaders must see the summit as a "one-off opportunity" to reconnect with people by tackling climate change.
At the press conference, Mr Blair also voiced "optimism" that other European countries might boost their contributions to the campaign in Afghanistan.
He said EU member states realised the success of the Nato effort was of "fundamental importance to all of us".
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