Decision No. 280/2004/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning a mechanism for monitoring Community greenhouse gas emissions and for implementing the Kyoto Protocol.

The present Decision establishes a mechanism for: (a) monitoring all anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of greenhouse gases not controlled by the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer in the Member States; (b) evaluating progress towards meeting commitments in respect of these emissions; (c) implementing the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol. Having due regard to the overall objective of the Kyoto Protocol (namely stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level which prevents dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system), Member States and the Community as a whole shall fulfill their international obligations particularly by adopting national and Community special programmes (art. 2). Member States shall report to the Commission the information prescribed by article 3 as to their emissions. The Commission is required to compile each year a Community greenhouse gas inventory as well as a Community greenhouse gas inventory report (art. 4).