LONDON, March 8 (UPI) -- Britain and European governments are working towards creating a European Union energy policy action plan to underline its role in climate protection.
Speaking at a press conference with Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt Thursday, British Prime Minister Tony Blair said there was a real possibility to show how Europe could lead a debate on climate change, energy security and deregulation.
"There is a fantastic opportunity under the German presidency to show world leadership on a number of big issues," Blair said. The prime minister is scheduled to leave for Brussels later Thursday to attend the two-day spring European Council meeting.
Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel, who currently holds the rotational EU presidency, will chair the meeting. It will focus on growth, jobs, better regulations and an integrated energy and climate policy.
The controversial EU constitution is not expected to be on the agenda. Merkel has repeatedly insisted Europe will face a "historic failure" if it fails to revive the constitution.
