The right to own a gas-guzzling car was indignantly compared with other fundamental human freedoms, such as the choice of a sexual and family life, by José Manuel Barroso, head of the European Commission yesterday.

Mr Barroso was challenged about his ownership of a large SUV (sports utility vehicle), minutes after warning Europe’s leaders that the eyes of the world would be upon them tomorrow at a summit at which he wants to set ambitious targets to cut greenhouse gases.

He denied that his choice of vehicle contradicted Commission plans to limit CO2 emissions from cars to 130 grammes per km.

His personal Volkswagen Touareg 4x4 pumps out 265 g/ km but he argues that it is mostly used by his wife, Margarida. On official business he tends to use a top-of-the range Mercedes with CO2 emissions of 270 g/km.

He said: “I never see myself as an example. A moralistic approach is not mine. We are setting public targets and should avoid giving certificates of good behaviour to individuals.”

Asked whether he should set an example in his own vehicle choice, he added: “People are responsible and should take their decisions.

“If you start on the environment you could go on to the family, sexual, etc. You have to respect the law and what we are doing is pushing for a more ambitious law.”

The proposed target of 130 g/km CO2 across all cars sold in Europe by 2012 would leave manufacturers free to produce big cars, provided that average emissions met the target.

Friends of the Earth Europe said: “Mr Barroso claims to be committed to fighting climate change while driving a big gas-guzzling car in the narrow roads of Brussels. As a high-profile politician he should be making significant changes to his own lifestyle.”

Jean Lambert, Green MEP for London, said: “The Commission’s own website urges people to take steps to reduce their carbon footprint. I recommend that Mr Barroso reads the website and gives some political leadership on climate change.”

Other politicians in Europe have adapted their travel habits. David Miliband, the Environment Secretary, for example, offsets his flights.

Mr Barroso was speaking at a preview of the two-day leaders’ summit in Brussels that will consider ambitious climate change goals, including a 20 per cent cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and a target to use 10 per cent more biofuels. A call for a binding target of 20 per cent for renewable energy across Europe is being resisted by the Poles and the Czechs.

Mr Barroso declared: “This is an opportunity for European leaders to match intentions with deeds, to turn words into actions. ”

Mr Barroso said that tackling climate change “must be a defining mission for the European Union for the future” and featured in the Berlin declaration on March 25, a statement of EU achievements in the 50 years since it was formed.

Clear the air

CO2 emissions in g/km

Toyota Prius hybrid: 104

Fiat Panda 1.1: 135

Mini Cooper: 174

Renault Scenic: 205

Ford Mondeo 2.0: 218

VW Tuareg: 265

Rolls Royce Phantom: 327

Source: Vehicle Certification Agency

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