Taxpayers across Europe may foot the bill for the EU signing up to the Kyoto Protocol.
The 'Taxpayers' Alliance' says they are "concerned that without tax rises, it will be impossible for the European Union to meet its commitments under the Kyoto Protocol".
"Hardworking taxpayers who rely on their cars to travel to work and to take their children to school will be very worried about these proposed tax increases," according to Matthew Elliott from the Taxpayers' Alliance.
Documents just released by the Commission state that the EU is calling for member states to introduce fuel, road and car tax increases to meet their Kyoto commitments which could mean that the tax on buying a new car is harmonised to the Danish level of 198%.
The Commission says: "In the Commission's opinion vehicle taxation is an important complimentary instrument to support the realisation of the EU-target of 120g CO2/km for new cars by 2008-2010, and to contribute to the accomplishment of the EU engagements under the Kyoto protocol."
Over 150 countries have rejected Kyoto's cuts on their economies,choosing instead to adopt the path of economic growth and prosperity. Only 35 countries have adopted Kyoto's cuts.
According to Alex Singleton of the Globalisation Institute, "India, China, and other major developing nations agree that the only workable solution to climate change will be technological innovation. Kyoto is a bad deal for Europe's economies."
By: N. Peter Kramer
