European figures, however, are well away from reaching these objectives. On the contrary, in many member States emissions, instead of decreasing, are on the increase. In order to get into line with the Kyoto objectives new tools must therefore be used, and that is what the Commission means to do.

The European programme on climate change approved by the decision-making group is basically based on two guidelines: selective measures to reduce emissions that come from specific sources and institution of an exchange system on "emission rights". The Commission looks to this system, already provided for but not made active yet, to arrive at an effective reduction of greenhouse gases emissions and launches, through the publication of a Green book, the debate between the interested parties who will be able to express their opinion on the various possibilities analysed in the document.

Commission experts have calculated that, with an exchange system inside the Community area where great energy providers will take part as well as industries that use considerable amounts of it, respecting the Kyoto protocol will cost 6,9 billion euro in 2010. The approach on a community scale means an annual saving of about 2 billion euro, about 20% of the expense, compared to the costs that would eight upon the single member States who will have to yield to Kyoto standards in any case.

October.2001