Two new departments on climate change and energy have been created by the EU Commission following the formal endorsement from MEP's and member states last week.

Amongst the changes that have been finalised since last week, DG Climate Action, will group together the former Commission departments of Environment, External Relations and Industry and is likely to employ over 200 civil servants.

The DG Environment will remain responsible for industrial emissions, however protection of the ozone layer will still move as planned to DG Climate Action.

While the Commission consider the adoption of a transport and climate package, CO2 emissions from transport will now fall under the DG Climate Action.

In a press release displayed on http://www.europa.eu/ this morning, Connie Hedegaard, EU Commissioner for Climate Action, made the following statement."Now we can start- I am pleased that the decision can be made at the very first college meeting. It underlines the fact that the commission as a whole gives priority to Climate Action, and it shows that the EU can make quick decisions when needed. With the newly appointed Director-General Jos Delbeke, who will come with core staff already working on climate action, we will have a good beginning to take the lead of the EU's Climate Action agenda."