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Barroso's fine words on climate change must be backed up by firm action from new Commission

Issued : Tuesday 9 February, 2010

The fine words of the European Commission President on his plans for the EU incoming Commission to take the global lead on fighting climate change must be backed up by firm action, Nessa Childers MEP said at the European Parliament in Strasbourg today.

Ms Childers said: "I welcome the formal appointment today of a dedicated EU Commissioner. In supporting the candidacy of Connie Hedegaard today, the Parliament has acknowledged the need to put climate change at the top of the EU's agenda.

"Appointing a Commissioner with a clear mandate on climate is a positive first step ahead of the UN Mexico negotiations.

"Having said that, Hedegaard has to take a measure of responsibility for the calamitous COP15 talks in Copenhagen on a climate change deal with famously hit a brick wall last December. The Copenhagen calamity ultimately saw Europe embarrassingly sidelined by the US, China and other nations at the eleventh hour.

"For President Barrosso's pretensions for Europe to take a lead role in the global fight against climate change to become a reality, the EU must learn the lessons from Copenhagen but continue to be ambitious on the world stage in regard to cutting emissions. The new Commissioner has a job of work to do to reassert Europe's role on the world stage after the Denmark debacle."