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Most European countries have failed to meet their targets on emissions cuts laid down in the Kyoto Protocol, according to the latest figures from the European Energy Agency (EEA). Only the UK and Sweden are have met their obligations to date.

Denmark, Spain, Ireland, Austria and Belgium will exceed 2010 target emissions by 20%. Germany, which produces about a quarter of total EU greenhouse gases, is now forecasting substantially smaller emissions reduction than in previous years.

Failure to meet targets is blamed largely on a 'runaway' increase in emissions from road transport. On the basis of current policies, total greenhouse gas emissions from transport will be 34% above 1990 levels in 2010. This does not include the rapidly increasing emissions from air travel, which is not covered by Kyoto.

EEA figures are based on domestic policies and measures implemented or planned so far. They don't take into account new measures being developed under the European Climate Change Programme (ECCP). These include the emissions trading scheme, due to start in 2005.

Although emissions trading has huge potential, there is still much to be done. All countries in Europe must add more emissions cutting measures to existing programmes. But Germany, Luxembourg, Portugal and Sweden have yet to provide information on any additional measures. Carbon sinks, use of forests and land to offset carbon production, seems to have limited possibilities at present.