'Proposals expected to be announced next month would give the EU its first funding which would not come from national governments. Algirdas Semeta, the new European commissioner for taxation, is planning a "minimum rate of tax on carbon" across the whole EU as a "priority".
 
"In my estimation it is possible to start discussions," he told European Voice, a weekly Brussels newspaper. "There is currently the right momentum." A similar proposal was considered so controversial that it was shelved without discussion five years ago.'

Read more: EU Draws up Plans For First Direct Tax With Fuel Levy