Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Of course there is disappointment that the ambitions of many to deliver an accord at the last summit were not met. It was clear before we got to Copenhagen that there would not be a consensus on a legally binding accord, but the effort was made to get agreement on broad principles that would be converted into legal text and subsequently ratified. It became clear, unfortunately, that major global players in this debate were not prepared to come forward with the same types of proportionate steps as those taken by the European Union in the context of the leadership position it has taken on this matter. In the absence of a global agreement that would incorporate all areas and all countries that are contributing to the problem, unilateral action by the European Union is not feasible. However, the European Union has taken a leadership position on this matter and is anxious to proceed. The question of how to deal with the evolving negotiations that may take place in the course of this year in preparation for the next summit, with the hope of securing a better outcome, will be discussed at the spring European Council meeting.

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