"Rather than a promise, it is a binding commitment": Angela Merkel, the current president of the EU Council, was "fully satisfied" at the end of the summit, which "will make Europe greener". In the 23 pages of the Conclusions of the meeting of the leaders of the 27 countries, all the previous forecasts were confirmed, and the commitments concerning the environment became binding: reduction of carbon dioxide emission by 20% within 2020, "to avoid increase in the temperature of the Earth exceeding the temperature in the pre-industrial age by two degrees centigrade"; "improvement of energy efficiency by 20%"; "adoption of biofuels equalling 10%"; commitment "to use renewable energies amounting to 20%". "We entrusted the Commission specified Merkel with the task of preparing a proposal concerning energy saving for private houses, street lights, office lights and lights in any work places. The purpose is to involve citizens in environment protection directly. The technologies already exist: they must be applied". However, the German Chancellor did not hide the next difficulties: "Now, we must take care of carrying out these decisions. Intense negotiations and difficult measures are waiting for us".
