"EU Climate Funding Threatened"

"The European Union's development chief may be forced to name and shame France, Germany and Italy for not living up to their aid commitments, contributing to a roughly $17 billion funding gap this year.

Andris Piebalgs warned in January he would clearly identify EU countries that failed to meet their aid commitments.

'In 2010, the EU aid disbursements are likely to further grow to approximately 54-55 billion euros ($74-75 billion),' a leaked EU document seen by Reuters shows. 'Many member states will most probably not reach their... aid targets. A gap of 12-13 billion euros remains.'

The paper did not name France, Germany or Italy, but an OECD report last month said they were among the EU's worst performers.

The paper also warned the shortfall threatens the EU's standing in climate talks, which this year aim to build on the weak accord reached in Copenhagen in December."

Pete Harrison reports for Reuters March 8, 2010.

See Also:

"EU's 'Carbon Fat Cats' Get Rich off Trading Scheme: Study" (AFP)

"Japan Rift Risks Watering Down Climate Bill" (Reuters)