Zeven EU-lidstaten lopen achter bij invoering emissiehandel broeikasgassen (en)

EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - Seven EU states have still not submitted national plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the European Commission - despite long overdue deadlines.

Environment Commissioner Margot Wallström announced on Wednesday (7 July) that Greece, Italy, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Hungary, Malta and Poland have failed to send in their national plans against climate change.

The national plans are part of the EU's "Emissions trading scheme" (ETS) whereby companies may trade allowances to emit greenhouse gasses.

The system will enter into force in January 2005 and is seen by the EU as a cost-effective way to comply with the international Kyoto Protocol on climate change.

National plans, designed to allocate emissions allowances to companies, had to be submitted to the European Commission by "old" member states by March 31, and by new member states by May 1.

"I am disappointed that some Member States are slow in taking the measures necessary to ensure a smooth start of emissions trading next year", said Ms Wallström.

She added: "If the EU wants to retain its leadership in fighting climate change, it can best demonstrate its determination through the emissions trading scheme, and all Member States need to be on board."

The Commissioner announced infringement procedures against Greece and Italy, but the new member states escaped legal action as their original deadline had been a month later.

National plans approved

Despite poor preparations by some member states, Ms Wallström expressed confidence that "we can start the emission trading the first of January next year as planned."

The Commission approved five national allocation plans unconditionally, from Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Sweden.

Technical changes were requested from Austria, Germany and the UK, but in principle their plans were given the green light by the EU executive as well.

The plans from the eight countries together cover 5,000 industrial plants emitting greenhouse gasses - out of a total of 12,000 plants in the EU.

Ms Wallström said: "Today's decision is a crucial step as it clears the way for almost half of the plants which will be part of the Pan European emissions trading system".

But last month it emerged that companies are not sufficiently prepared for the EU's emissions trading system either.

A report published by LogicaCMG - a large international IT and consultancy firm - revealed that only 51% of industry expects to be prepared by January 2005.