LUXEMBOURG, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) stood ready to modify its rules on compulsory reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by the aviation sector to fit possible global framework, EU transport ministers said on Thursday.
The new EU rules are "only a first step towards the final objective, which is to seek an agreement on global measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from aviation," EU transport ministers said in a conclusion after a meeting in Luxembourg Thursday.
"If necessary, it will be adapted to fit this global framework," they said.
EU governments agreed earlier this year to include all flights to and from the 27-nation bloc into its carbon dioxide emission allowance system as from 2012. Airlines will then have to get permit for their emission and pay for the extra amount that exceeds the allowed level.
The new rules met opposition from the United States since foreign airlines are also covered by the scheme. Washington criticized the EU move as being against international aviation agreements.
