However, Carlén is quick to point out that, as yet, Sweden's negotiations in the build-up to Copenhagen have focused on the "level of ambition" the 27-member bloc will demonstrate in its approach, and "less on the specifics" of an EU-wide agreement.

Heavy investment in high-speed train networks is not a viable strategy for fighting climate change and could place an excessively heavy burden on taxpayers, a report by a Swedish expert group has found.

Speaking to EurActiv, expert group representative Björn Carlén explained that while the report's recommendations concern Sweden only, "the conclusions are equally applicable to other EU countries where similar investment strategies exist".

In many member states where high-speed networks are under consideration, their green credentials are a key selling point during the decision-making process, a fact Carlén bemoans as misleading. "The motivations behind these investments can be for a number of positive reasons, but reduced carbon emissions should not be one of them," he said.

Instead, the report argues that investments and resources should be diverted towards successful carbon trading schemes, where the "reductions in emissions would be far greater, and at a significantly lower cost".