(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-01-23 20:21

Brussels -- The European Commission confirmed the adoption of a far-reaching plan on Wednesday to cut EU emissions of greenhouse gases blamed for global warming, boost renewable energy use and increase biofuels.

Spokeswoman Pia Ahrenkilde Hansen said the EU executive had "just taken a decision" after the 27-member European Union executive debated last-minute details to protect Europe's energy-intensive industries from less green competition.

Under the plan, which must be approved by member states and the European Parliament, the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme will be widened to more gases and industries, and Brussels will set EU-wide caps for each sector as well as national curbs.