Leaders from the 27 EU member states are gathering later today in Brussels for a summit expected to focus on climate change, energy security and concerns about the global economy.The EU is seeking to lead global efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions. The summit will try to work out how to implement a 20% reduction by 2020. From Brussels, Nick Childs reports.

“Many leaders argue that time is the essence if the EU is to take a lead in international negotiations.The Britain PM Gordon Brown is expected to be one of those calling for cuts in purchase taxes on energy-saving goods. One thing that causes to stir in the run-up to the summit has been the report that the leaders will have before them co-offered by the EU's foreign policy chief Javier Solana. It warns of the possibility of mass migration into Europe as a result of the effects of climate change.The leaders will also be looking at the issue-security of energy supply and they will discuss the slowdown in the global economy and the upheavals in the world financial markets.”