EU discusses energy sources

Malta would be prepared to take part in the testing of innovative technologies dealing with renewable sources of energy, George Pullicino, Minister for Rural Affairs and the Environment said in an address at an informal EU meeting.

Held over the weekend at Montecatini Terme, Italy, the meeting was attended by environment and energy ministers from EU member and accession states.

Mr Pullicino said EU states were committed to implement the Kyoto targets, even before the protocol comes into force.

These political choices by one of the world's leading economic powers will influence the path of the global energy economy and the global strategy on climate change.

"We cannot wait for the US to take the lead in proposing a multilateral initiative.

"Nor can we expect the big developing country emitters to move off their waiting position before a positive signal is forthcoming from Washington.

"It is up to the EU, with like-minded members of the G8 group, including Japan and Canada to stimulate forward thinking, while seeking to engage other OECD members that are not bound by Kyoto commitments as is the case with Mexico and the Republic of Korea," Mr Pullicino argued.

Minister Pullicino recalled that Malta was the originator of the climate change item on the UN General Assembly's agenda in 1988.

"Malta would be happy to contribute once again to promoting new thinking, this time in our new position within the EU," he said.

Ninu Zammit, Minister for Resources and Infrastructure also attended the meeting.