OXFAM INTERNATIONAL MEDIA REACTION

Copenhage, 18 December 2009

Oxfam International reaction to reports that President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso and German Chancellor Angela Merkel are blocking an EU-wide move to cut carbon emissions by 30%, in a high level meeting at the Copenhagen Climate Summit:

“With the talks on the verge of collapse, what is needed from the EU is decisive leadership, not divisive action,” said Oxfam's Senior Policy Advisor Antonio Hill.

“Merkel and Barroso’s lack of political courage at this critical stage in the negotiations is not only unhelpful but dangerous. If we don’t slash emissions by what scientists say is needed, we are heading towards a humanitarian disaster on a global scale,” he added.

NOTE: EU Heads of State will meet at 16:00 at the Bella Centre for more high level talks

For more information and interviews please contact: Anna Mitchell +44 7796 993 288 / +447545719593; Natalie Curtis +44 7824 503108 / +447545719702; Laura Rusu +1 202 459 3739 / +447540702656; Isabel Sande Frandsen +45 60 95 96 6; Binbin Wang +447540702805; Natalie Curtis, Senior Press Officer
Media Unit, Tel: 44 (0) 18 65 472498; Mob: 44 (0) 7824 503108; email: ncurtis@oxfam.org.uk; www.oxfam.org.uk/news

Oxfam works with others to overcome poverty and suffering. Climate Change costs lives. Let's sort it Here & Now. Keep up-to-date with the Copenhagen climate summit www.oxfam.org.uk/copenhagen

Oxfam GB is a member of Oxfam International and a company limited by guarantee registered in England No. 612172. Registered office: Oxfam House, John Smith Drive, Cowley, Oxford, OX4 2JY. A registered charity in England and Wales (no 202918) and Scotland (SCO 039042)