(Recasts introduction, adding quotes from Merkel)
TRIESTE, Italy -(Dow Jones)- Italy and Germany agree that measures to cut greenhouse gases shouldn't weigh on the economy, Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel said at a press conference Tuesday, indicating government support for tough new measures in Europe is waning.
Any new European Union decisions on climate change and energy "must be taken in such a way as to not weigh on industry" in Europe, she said at a press conference televised live by Sky Italia.
Italy, Poland and a few other nations in mid-October threatened to veto ambitious new E.U. goals to fight climate change slated to be approved at the end of this year, saying that the measures were expensive. Italy asked for a new assessment of costs, and for more flexibility in their implementation.
Germany's public support of Italy's position means that E.U. leaders may find it harder to get the package approved this year, as scheduled.
Merkel said the goal of reducing carbon emissions by 20% in 2020 remains an important goal, but that a "compromise that respects principles" must be found.
"Italy and Germany have grown nearer" on energy issues in recent months.
Italy and Germany will hold a series of technical meetings to discuss climate change package, she said.
-By Jennifer Clark, Dow Jones Newswires; 39 02 58 21 9904; jennifer.clark@dowjones.com
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(END) Dow Jones Newswires
November 18, 2008 12:59 ET (17:59 GMT)

Publié le 18 novembre 2008 Copyright © 2008 Dowjones