Brussels, 30/05/2000 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday, the Energy Council adopted its "common position" on the directive establishing minimum standards of energy efficiency applicable to ballasts for neon lighting, i.e. condensers that trigger neon lighting. This directive will apply from 2005 to new ballasts. The goal is to reduce the energy consumption of lighting in offices by limiting the dispersion of energy. The Commission considers that the new standards will allow for a reduction in CO2 emissions by 2.5 million tonnes by 2010 and 6 million by 2020. The Council accepted most amendments adopted by the European Parliament on 20 January. The Euro-MPs had, notably, stipulated the types of ballasts to be excluded from the directive.