The European Union's Swedish presidency wants global climate talks in Copenhagen in December to set the first-ever greenhouse-gas emissions targets for airlines and shipping companies. But EU member states with large shipping sectors are fighting to block the proposal, which would force airlines around the world to cut emissions by 10 per cent and shipping firms by 20 per cent in the next 10 years, EU diplomats said.
Sweden, current holder of the EU's rotating presidency, wants a meeting of EU environment ministers in Luxembourg on Wednesday to endorse the proposal as part of the bloc's preparation for United Nations talks on climate change in Copenhagen in December.
The EU is keen to seize the initiative in those talks by coming to the table with a blueprint deal approved by all 27 member states.
A draft agreement was prepared for the environment ministers' meeting and seen by the German Press Agency.
Sweden, current holder of the EU's rotating presidency, wants a meeting of EU environment ministers in Luxembourg on Wednesday to endorse the proposal as part of the bloc's preparation for United Nations talks on climate change in Copenhagen in December.
The EU is keen to seize the initiative in those talks by coming to the table with a blueprint deal approved by all 27 member states.
A draft agreement was prepared for the environment ministers' meeting and seen by the German Press Agency.