Press release - March 10, 2009
Brussels, Belgium — EU finance ministers, whose meeting was blockaded by hundreds of Greenpeace activists in Brussels earlier this morning, have failed to agree on funding to tackle climate change in developing countries.
In their recommendations to EU leaders meeting next week ministers recognised the need for funds from rich countries, including the EU, to developing nations. But ministers did not propose concrete public financial support for climate action and instead made an empty promise for investments from the private sector, which they can neither predict nor control.
"To secure a global climate agreement, the EU and the rest of the rich world must show their willingness to recognise their responsibilities and pay up. EU leaders must now do what finance ministers failed to do and put real money on the table to tackle the climate crisis," said Joris den Blanken, Greenpeace EU climate and energy policy director.
Greenpeace activists from 20 countries converged on the Brussels building where finance ministers were meeting this morning. The protesters locked themselves to gates and fences and blocked entrances on all sides of the European Union building, calling on finance ministers to bail out the climate. Over three hundred Greenpeace activists have been arrested by Belgian police.(1)
Five activists sustained injuries as a result of police action. No charges have yet been brought.
Other contacts:
Joris den Blanken - Greenpeace EU climate and energy policy director: +32 (0)476 961 375
Mark Breddy - Greenpeace EU communications: +32 (0)496 156 229
Matilda Bradshaw – Greenpeace International communications: +31 (0)6 2900 1131
International photo desk: +44 (0)7801 615 889
International video desk : +31 (0)6 3473 8790
Notes:
[1] Activists are from 16 EU countries, plus Switzerland, Turkey, Russia, Israel and Lebanon. Interviews are available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Dutch.