EU emission limits could drive industries out of Europe

The European commission will set out new laws next week to impose swingeing limits on greenhouse gas emissions from EU heavy industries in a move that could prompt some of these to relocate lock, stock and barrel overseas.

Draft legislative proposals, due to be published on January 23 and seen by the Guardian, would cut the emissions of some 11,000 plants by 21% on 2005 levels as part of the effort to reduce EU greenhouse gas output by at least 20% by 2020.


They would also force energy companies and refiners to bid at auction for 100% of their pollution permits from 2013 in an effort to avoid the windfall profits of up to