EU energy ministers agreed this week to step up action

Date: 29/05/1997

to curb emissions of greenhouse gases, which are responsible for climate change, but did not make any specific commitments. Ministers said increasing the share of renewable energy in the fuel mix to 12&percent;, cutting subsidies on fossil fuels and imposing higher taxes on the worst polluters could all make a substantial contribution.

But they made no firm pledges, merely asking the Commission to draw up a comprehensive action plan.