EU chief Sarkozy urges world to follow emissions example

BRUSSELS -- French President Nicolas Sarkozy, head of the European Union, has urged world partners to follow the EU's example in setting down a plan for emissions cuts to fight global warming.

Sarkozy says the 27-nation bloc has "now delivered" and it is now the time for others such as the United States and China to follow suit.

Speaking at the end of an EU summit, he said "people will not follow Europe unless we set the example." France holds the rotating presidency of the EU.

EU leaders agreed Friday on a plan laying out how the 27 member countries will cut carbon emissions by 20% by 2020. The plan includes concessions meant to ensure that the hefty cost of curbing pollution will not impede economic growth, particularly to Eastern European countries.