Economists warned of a stalling manoeuvre, whilst climate protection campaigners took to the streets in Brussels and Vienna. The signal sent by this delay could have effects well beyond Europe's borders. 

On Friday, EU ambassadors gathered in Brussels to answer what seemed like a small question that could have major consequences for the European Union's climate policy: Should the environment ministers of the member states vote on the EU's 2040 target, or should it be left to heads of state and government?

At the heart of this question lies the European Commission's proposal: by 2040, emissions in the EU should fall by 90 per cent compared to 1990. In doing so, the Commission is essentially drawing on the recommendation of the EU's Scientific Advisory Board. The environment ministers could have adopted this target by a qualified majority as early as next week – on 18 September. The heads of government would not meet until late October, and crucially, their decision would require unanimity. This means any country could block the Commission's proposal with a veto.

Hungary, Poland and Slovakia are considered to be particularly sceptical of the Commission's proposal…

Read the full article by Benedikt Narodoslawsky at: derstandard.at