EU left on sidelines in last hours of Copenhagen

Europe was relegated to spectator status in the last hours of the climate negotiations that saw the US, China, India, Brazil and South Africa agree the Copenhagen Accord. Its position appeared very distant from what other large emitters were aiming for.

The EU came to Copenhagen with an ambitious position with specific commitments on emission reductions and climate financing, showing what it called "leadership". In the end it failed to convince others and had little influence on the final outcome.