Bridges Weekly Trade News Digest • Volume 8 • Number 10 • 18th March 2004

Kyoto Protocol In Force In The EU

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On 11 March, a decision by the European Parliament entered into force, making the Kyoto Protocol legally binding in the EU. The decision spells out how greenhouse gas emissions are monitored and reported, and was the final piece of legislation needed to operationalise all aspects of the Kyoto Protocol in the EU. EU Environment Commissioner Margot Wallström said that "as a strong bloc of soon-to-be 25 countries, the European Union has a special responsibility to show global leadership and pave the way for other countries to follow suit". While the Protocol is legally binding in EU countries, it has yet to enter into force internationally. After the US pulled out in 2001, only Russia’s ratification can make this happen. At the EU level, some countries and ministers have questioned the rationale of going it alone, especially as most EU countries already are off track in meeting their Kyoto targets.

In related news, the Swedish National Trade Board recently released a study on the relationship between climate and trade rules. The report concluded that the "friendly coexistence" between the two sets of rules should be possible. Concerns raised included possible technical production standards and regulations related to climate change mitigation. Further clarification of the WTO regime should be undertaken in this regard. In conclusion, the report called for action to promote the mutual supportiveness of the two regimes at the national and international levels.

To access the report, entitled "Climate And Trade Rules - Harmony Or Conflict?" visit http://www.kommers.se/binaries/attachments/2501_Climate_and_Trade_Rules.pdf

Also see "The Persistence of the Kyoto Protocol: Why Other Annex I Countries Move On Without the United States". By Jon Hovi Tora Skodvin and Steinar Andresen in GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS 3 (4, 2003) pp. 1-23; included in Resources (below).

"Kyoto Protocol Becomes Binding For European Union," UNWIRE, 11 March 2004; "All Kyoto Protocol Rules Now Legally Binding in Europe," ENS, 11 March 2004.