Centre-left Maltese MEP Miriam Dalli (l) negotiated on the new EU rules for CO2 emissions of cars and vans. A majority of MEPs had wanted a 40 percent reduction target - much higher than the 30 percent proposed by EU commissioner Miguel Arias Canete (r) (Photo: European Parliament)

Investigation

Inside the secret EU talks on the future of car emissions

Green Economy

by Peter Teffer, Brussels,

Even when EU politicians clash bitterly about draft legislation in talks behind closed doors, they do so in formal language and in a civilised plenary format.

The three-way negotiations between the European Parliament, the Council of the EU, and the European Commission, known as trilogues, may be held outside the public eye – but there is still plenty room for diplomatic courtesy.

"We highly appreciate the contribution given by 'blah blah blah'," would be a typical beginning of a ...