Climate change was top of the agenda at the EU-India summit in New Delhi. The EU and India also decided on joint investments in a number of environmental technology projects, including the partial financing of a factory that will make more environmentally friendly cars, and solar energy projects. An agreement on nuclear energy cooperation was also signed.

Sweden’s Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, representing the Swedish Presidency, and President of the Commission José Manuel Barroso met India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
“The relationship between the EU and India is strong and built on common values such as democracy and diversity. And the relationship has the potential to become even stronger”, said Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt after the meeting.

Two degree target

At the summit, the two degree target recommended by scientists was supported. This target means that the global temperature must not be allowed to rise by more than two degrees compared with pre-industrial levels.
Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt said after the summit that he had informed Prime Minister Singh of the EU’s commitments on climate change.
“The EU is ambitious, but we cannot tackle climate change alone, it is a global issue. I have today encouraged Prime Minister Singh to join us in combating climate change.”
At the press conference after the summit, Prime Minister Singh was asked questions about India’s commitments.
“We have an ambitious national plan for the work against climate change, but we do not yet have a figure for emissions reductions”, said Mr Singh.

Environmental projects

At the summit two loans from the European Investment Bank (EIB) were also presented. One loan, of EUR 150 million, is for support to different projects that can mitigate the effects of climate change. The other loan, of EUR 100 million, is for the partial financing of a new car factory in the state of Maharashtra. The car factory will produce three small models of car, specially adapted to the Indian market. The project will use European environmental technology, which will mean that the cars will emit less greenhouse gases, and at the same time will contribute to economic development in India.
“I welcome the two loans”, said Mr Reinfeldt.

Afghanistan and Pakistan

Regional issues were also discussed at the summit, including the situation in Afghanistan.
“We emphasised the need for the international community to hold fast to its commitments to support security and development in Afghanistan,” said Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt.
“What happens in Afghanistan has a more direct impact on India than on most other countries, so for us progress is important. We appreciate the work of the international community”, said Prime Minister Singh.

Solar energy

Together the EU and India will invest EUR 10 million in promoting research into solar energy technology. The total solar energy that hits the earth’s surface over a year is 10 000 times greater than the energy the world uses in a year, so there is enormous potential in solar energy.

Agreement on nuclear energy

At the summit a cooperation agreement was signed on research in the field of nuclear energy. The agreement concerns the exchange of information and data in the area and exchanges between researchers and specialists to enable participation in different research activities. A link to the complete agreement can be found on the right.

Police cooperation

In order to be able to fight international organised crime effectively, Europol cooperates with a range of countries outside the EU. The cooperation with India that is to be established primarily concerns information exchange.