EU's Barroso gives mixed welcome to Obama climate stance

(BRUSSELS) - European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso on Wednesday welcomed Barack Obama's decision to travel to global climate talks next month -- but refused to comment on US emissions targets.

"I welcome that President Obama has commited to come to Copenhagen," said Barroso, quoted by a commission spokeswoman.

"I have made clear that we need as many world leaders as possible. I hope that others will follow suit," he added.

However, Barroso steered clear of offering an opinion on the figures championed by the United States president.

The White House said Obama would offer to cut US emissions by 17 percent from 2005 levels by 2020 -- less than calls by the European Union, Japan and UN scientists but the first numbers on the table by the world's largest economy.

It was the first concrete US offer to cut carbon emissions, reviving hopes the closely watched meeting will make some progress.

The EU has vowed to reduce its own greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2020 compared to 1990 levels, raising the target to 30 percent in the event of an international agreement.