07/05/2012 (Agence Europe) - An appeal to the EU's generosity has been launched, for the long-term financing of the fight against climate change, in Brussels on Monday 7 May, where the ministerial cooperation between the EU, the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) and the least-developed countries began (see EUROPE 10608). “Long-term funding should help the developing countries to complete their development programme”, said Connie Hedegaard, Commissioner for Climate Action. Bangladesh's representative pointed out that many of the developing countries had “already done much to achieve neutrality in terms of their carbon footprint”, but needed “billions of dollars” to invest in clean equipment. On 15 May, the Ecofin Council will take position on the EU's contribution to the $100 billion a year of funding between now and 2020 pledged by the rich countries to support the adaptation and attenuation efforts of the developing countries. (AN/transl.fl).