EU climate change plan ‘too expensive’ for Italy

Italy says EU targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions would cost it billions of euros it cannot afford. Under the plan European countries will be required to reduce carbon output by 20 percent by 2020. However with Italy’s economy feeling the strain of the recent financial crisis, it is asking the EU to think again.

Italy’s Environment Minister Stefania Prestigiacomo said: ‘‘We think it’s correct we ask the EU, after they have calculated the costs, to reflect on the accounts contained in their proposal. It seems strange to us that the EU commissioner should attack Italy’s position. He should represent all members and we feel hurt by that.’‘

The comments came after Europe’s Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimos criticised the costs of adapting to climate change put forward by Italy’s Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

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