Europe successfully obtained the broadest agreement in the world to combat climate change on Friday by offering financial incentives to eastern European countries to accept changes that will penalize their heavily polluting power sectors and increase electricity prices. Despite criticism from environmental groups for the numerous exemptions granted to industry, the historic deal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20% by 2020 was achieved amidst an economic crisis. While some, like Sanjeev Kumar from the WWF, criticized the policy as lacking leadership and containing loopholes, French President Nicolas Sarkozy hailed it as a significant achievement, describing it as a historic moment and emphasizing the strict binding regulations adopted by the continent. The agreement was reached following a lengthy battle lasting a year, with the main point of contention being the costs and the divide between eastern and western Europe. The nine eastern European countries were the final obstacle in reaching a deal on measures to address climate change, which would raise costs for their coal-fired power industries. Funding from the EU's emissions trading scheme will be allocated to these countries to help cover the costs, with the money being seen as a reward for the significant decrease in emissions following the collapse of their industries post-communism. Additionally, their power sectors will gradually increase their payments for emissions permits from the ETS, starting at 30 percent in 2013 and reaching 100 percent by 2020. Hungary and Italy were both involved in negotiations for more funding, with Hungary being difficult to negotiate with and Italy protecting its industries. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was concerned about being seen as the bad guy in the negotiations. Measures were put in place to protect European industries from being at a disadvantage compared to less regulated competitors overseas, particularly in industries such as steel, aluminum, cement, and chemicals. Industries facing international competition will receive free emissions permits to cover any cost increases. A British diplomat stated that Britain successfully secured increased funding for innovative technology aimed at capturing and storing emissions from power stations underground in depleted North Sea gas fields. The diplomat highlighted that Prime Minister Gordon Brown sees this initiative as a priority due to its environmental benefits and the potential for Europe to take the lead in creating jobs and promoting growth.