Does the EU have sufficient resources to meet its objectives on energy policy and climate change?

The study describes the various estimates made of the annual global cost of tackling climate change, ranging from €230 to €614 billion. The EU's share in this ranges from €24 to €194 billion. The study then analyses the resources devoted to climate change in the EU budget and includes suggestions for rectifying shortcomings identified. Overall, although it is difficult to put a precise figure on the amount that should be included in the EU budget, current spending appears rather modest and could be increased. Examples of climate change related spending at national level (in Germany, the UK, the USA and China) are also described. The study ends with an assessment of the potential of the EU emissions trading scheme to raise additional resources at EU level to tackle climate change.

• Primary Source

European Parliament: DG Internal Policies: Workshop. 'Does the EU have sufficient resources to meet its objectives on energy policy and climate change? The follow-up' (Studies, January 2009) http://www.europarl.europa.eu/activities/committees/studies/download.do?language=en&file=24191

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