Energy issues to dominate German presidency

Climate change and energy will be key issues for Germany during its EU presidency in the first half of 2007, foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said on Tuesday.  Mr Steinmeier was unveiling the country’s plans for its six-month chairmanship of the council of ministers, starting 1 January.

Germany will attempt to secure agreement from EU heads of government on a package of climate and energy measures on 8-9 March.  The aim is to produce an "ambitious" EU energy plan, the country’s presidency programme says.