Some commentators now doubt the E.U. can meet its promise to cut emissions by 8% of 1990 levels by 2012.

A spokesman for Friends of the Earth called the new figures "shocking".

"The blame goes mostly to national economy and industry ministers, who constantly block any attempts to introduce mandatory targets for renewable energies, energy efficiency rules or fuel consumption standards for cars," Jan Kowalzig said.

Carbon dioxide emissions have risen by 3.4% since 1990, according to the EEA figures. The Copenhagen-based EEA said emissions in the 15 old E.U. member states increased by 53 million tons, or 1.3%, in 2003, after a drop in 2002.

According to its figures, between 2002 and 2003, Italy, Finland and the U.K. saw the largest emission increases in absolute terms - 15 million tons, 8 million tons and 7 million tons respectively.