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The European Commission (EC) has called on respective governments on the continent to herald a post-industrial revolution by adopting environmentally-friendly energy plans.

Unveiling its long-awaited energy strategy for the EU, the commission is proposing that all member states pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent over the next 13 years.

The EC says that the need to secure competitive and clean energy supplies for Europe is imperative due to the context of "climate change, escalating global energy demand and future supply uncertainties".

Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso today said: "Europe must lead the world into a new or post-industrial revolution; the development of a low-carbon economy."

Today's strategy is the first step in creating a central, coherent energy policy for Europe, and includes plans to reduce the continent's carbon emissions by up to 80 per cent by 2050.

Commenting on the proposals, British foreign secretary Margaret Beckett said she "warmly welcomed" the strategy.

"This puts the EU on an accelerated pathway to becoming the world's first low-carbon economy. It brings to life the programme that the prime minister initiated during the UK presidency to establish a coherent European energy policy that will deliver energy security and climate security within a competitive European economy," she claimed.

Ms Beckett added: "With this package, the commission has shown how Europe can lead the way in that effort. If we want China, India and other partners to agree on a post-2012 [Kyoto protocol] climate framework, we need to back this up with our actions in Europe. This package shows how we can do so."

The EC will now ask the European Council to endorse the proposals at its March summit.