European Union Climate and Energy Package - Timeline

Timeline

10 January 2007: The European Commission presented a series of proposals setting ambitious targets of greenhouse gases reduction. It announced the EU would commit itself to reducing emissions of developed countries by 30% (compared to 1990 levels) by 2020 in international negotiations. In addition, the Commission planned its commitment to reduce its domestic emissions by at least 20% by 2020.

8–9 March 2007: The European Council approved of the objectives of reducing emissions of greenhouse gases presented by the Commission on 10 January 2007. As part of a plan of action on energy policy for the period 2007–2009, it also supported the 20-20-20 targets.

23 January 2008: The European Commission presented the definitive package, including proposals outlined by the European Council. The plan was to be discussed and adopted by the European Council in March 2008. The Commission also proposed to extend the system of emissions trading, to impose reductions of GHG emissions to economic sectors that are not covered by the system, and to promote renewable energies.

13–14 March 2008: The European Council agreed on the guiding principles of the package and set an agenda.

11–18 December 2008: Discussion about the package during the European Council, and definitive adoption of the package by the European Parliament.

December 2009: World Climate Conference in Copenhagen to find an international agreement to succeed the Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change, which expires at the end of 2012.

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